Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is a beloved British tradition celebrated on November 5th. The night is filled with fireworks, bonfires, and delicious treats that warm the soul. Among the most iconic foods enjoyed during this festivity are toffee apples and parkin cake. These classic autumnal delights combine rich flavors with nostalgic memories, making them the perfect addition to your Bonfire Night celebrations.
In this article, we will guide you through how to make the best toffee apples and traditional parkin cake, ensuring your Bonfire Night feast is nothing short of spectacular. 🍏🔥
🍏 Toffee Apples Recipe
Toffee apples are a classic treat, featuring crisp apples coated in a glossy, crunchy layer of sweet toffee. They are simple to make and a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Gala)
- 300g granulated sugar
- 120ml water
- 4 tbsp golden syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional)
- Wooden skewers or lolly sticks
- Ice water (for testing the toffee)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Dry them well and insert a wooden skewer into the top of each apple.
- Make the Toffee: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, golden syrup, and vinegar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir at this stage, as it may cause the toffee to crystallize. Instead, swirl the pan occasionally.
- Check the Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. The toffee should reach 150°C (300°F), known as the "hard crack" stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount into a bowl of ice water—it should harden immediately and snap when broken.
- Color the Toffee: Once at the right temperature, remove from heat and add the red food coloring, stirring gently.
- Coat the Apples: Dip each apple into the hot toffee, tilting the pan to fully coat it. Let any excess drip off, then place the apple on a sheet of greased parchment paper to set.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the apples to cool and harden before eating. Enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy toffee and juicy apple! 🍏✨
🍂 Traditional Parkin Cake Recipe
Parkin cake is a sticky, spiced ginger cake originating from Yorkshire. Made with oatmeal and treacle, this cake gets better over time, making it an ideal bake-ahead treat for Bonfire Night.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g medium oatmeal
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 175g black treacle (or molasses)
- 175g golden syrup
- 125g unsalted butter
- 125g soft brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a square baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt the Syrups: In a saucepan, gently heat the black treacle, golden syrup, butter, and brown sugar until melted and combined. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, oatmeal, ginger, mixed spice, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Pour the melted syrup mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add Egg and Milk: Beat the egg with the milk and stir it into the batter until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Let the cake cool in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack. For best results, wrap it and store for a few days before eating—this enhances its stickiness and rich flavor.
🎆 Tips for the Perfect Bonfire Night Treats
✔ Use fresh apples for the best crunch in toffee apples. ✔ Be patient with the toffee—if undercooked, it will be sticky; if overcooked, it may burn. ✔ Let parkin sit for a few days for a deeper, richer taste. ✔ Pair with warm drinks like hot chocolate or spiced cider for the ultimate Bonfire Night experience. ☕🔥
🍽️🍽️
Bonfire Night is a time for warmth, togetherness, and indulgent treats. Toffee apples bring a sweet, crisp delight, while parkin cake offers a comforting, spiced bite that embodies the spirit of the season. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, these traditional recipes will make your celebration extra special.
Get ready to wrap up, light the bonfire, and enjoy these timeless British classics! 🎆🍏🍰
Happy Bonfire Night! 🔥
