Indulge in the delightful flavors of Irish currant squares, a traditional Irish treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet and tangy currant filling. These delectable squares feature a layer of homemade orange marmalade that adds a burst of citrusy goodness, perfectly complementing the juicy currants. With variations including a gluten-free option and a vegan version, these currant squares cater to diverse dietary preferences. Discover the secrets behind this classic Irish treat as we delve into the step-by-step recipes, offering you a taste of Ireland's culinary heritage.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
IRISH CURRANT AND RAISIN CAKE
Provided by Nick Malgieri
Categories Cake Fruit Dessert Bake St. Patrick's Day Currant Raisin Fall Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes one 8-inch cake, about 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°.
- 2. Stir together the 2 1/4 cups flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- 3. In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, beat the butter and sugar with the paddle on medium speed until soft and light, about 5 minutes. Add the egg, beating until smooth.
- 4. Decrease the mixer speed to low and beat in half the flour mixture. Stop and scrape down the bowl and beater with a rubber spatula. Beat in the buttermilk, then the remaining flour mixture.
- 5. Give the batter a final mix with the rubber spatula.
- 6. Toss the currants and raisins with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour and fold them into the batter. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- 7. Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is well risen and deep gold and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
- 8. Cool in the pan on a rack for about 30 minutes, then invert the cake onto a rack and remove the pan and paper. Invert the cake onto another rack and cool completely.
- Storage: Wrap in plastic and keep at room temperature, or double-wrap and freeze for longer storage.
CURRANT SQUARES
I have two Irish sisters inlaw and both say this is one of their favorite desserts. Especially when its make with home made flakey pastry
Provided by Marlitt
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 20 squares
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- To make pastry:.
- Freeze butter or margarine for half an hour before grating.
- Sift flour and salt, then add butter or margarine.
- Mix into flour with palette knife.
- Add iced water until a dough is formed. Wrap and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Put all filling ingredients into a saucepan and bring to boiling point.
- Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 200°C/ 400°F Roll out half the pastry very thinly and line a Swiss roll tin.
- Pour on currant filling, spreading evenly, then cover with the rest of the pastry.
- Glaze with egg or milk and bake for 30 minutes or until light gold in colour.
- Dust with caster sugar and cut into squares when cool.
- Makes 20 squares.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.1, Fat 10.6, SaturatedFat 6.6, Cholesterol 27.6, Sodium 106.9, Carbohydrate 21.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 13.2, Protein 1.6
TRADITIONAL IRISH CURRANT SODA BREAD
This traditional Irish soda bread is served warm with lots of butter to accompany your cornbeef and cabbage boiled dinner. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Provided by Gingerbee
Categories Quick Breads
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Sift flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- Stir in currants and milk.
- Combine until well blended.
- Dough will be sticky.
- Turn out onto floured board and knead 10 times, until smooth.
- Shape into an 8" round loaf.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Cut an"X" with a knife into the top of the loaf.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven; pour sugar and water glaze over the top and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 268.5, Fat 0.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 1.6, Sodium 292.1, Carbohydrate 59, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 22.1, Protein 6.9
Tips:
- Use fresh currants: Fresh currants have a sweeter and more intense flavor than dried currants. If you can't find fresh currants, you can use dried currants, but be sure to soak them in hot water for 30 minutes before using.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make the squares tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a springform pan: A springform pan will make it easy to remove the squares from the pan. If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a 9x13 inch baking pan, but you will need to grease and flour the pan before adding the batter.
- Bake the squares until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This will ensure that the squares are cooked through.
- Let the squares cool completely before cutting them: This will help to prevent them from crumbling.
- Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days: You can also freeze the squares for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Irish Currant Squares are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and tangy flavor, these squares are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a delicious and festive dessert, give Irish Currant Squares a try!
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