Black Bun Recipe

The deliciously rich Black Bun is traditionally served in Scotland at Hogmanay when bringing in the New Year. It is a rich fruit cake but differs from our Christmas Cake and other fruit cakes and desserts like Clootie Dumpling in that it is made in a pastry case. Like many rich fruit cakes it is better to make itin advance and store it in an airtight container for several weeks and even months before it is served.

As I said Black Bun is served as one of the many traditions of celebrating New Year in Scotland. It goes along with other traditions such as "First Footin'", the ringing of bells, fireworks, having a wee dram of whisky and of course singing "Auld Lang Syne". By the way if you don't know what the words mean, have a wee look at my attempt at a translation.

If you're wanting to make a celebration dinner on New Year's Day, as well as Black Bun, why not try Roast Venison as a main course, followed by a lighter but very traditionally Scottish dessert such as Crannachan, which is made with raspberries, oats, whisky and cream, or the equally delicious Tipsy Laird.

However, if YOU have a Scottish Recipe you'd like to share with others on this site, please contribute HERE.

By the way if you are from Canada or USA, you can buy some Scottish Food Products direct from the states. Check out the Caledonian Kitchen Med

Black Bun

Black Bun Recipe

Ingredients:

Pastry Case:

8oz / 250g plain flour 4oz /125g butterHalf teaspoon baking powderCold water

Filling:

2lb / 1 kg seedless raisins
3lb / 1.5kg washed currants
8oz / 250g chopped, blanched almonds
12oz / 350g plain flour
8oz / 250g soft brown sugar
2 tbs ground allspice
1 tsp each of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder and black pepper
1 level tsp cream of tartar
2 tbs brandy
5 fl oz / 150 ml milk
1 large, beaten egg

Method:

Case

• Grease an 8" loaf tin.


• Rub the fats into the flour.


• Add Baking powder and a little water to make a stiff dough.


• Roll out on a floured board to a thin sheet.


• Line the loaf tin with the dough, leaving enough for the top.

Filling

• Mix all the ingredients together except the milk.


• Add enough milk just to moisten the mixture.


• Mix thoroughly.


• Fill the pastry case with the mixture.


• Add the remaining pastry to the top.


• Brush with beaten egg or milk on top.


• Prick with a for, brushing with more egg/milk.

Bake for around 3 hours a cool oven 225 degrees F or 110 degrees C.
When cool store in an airtight tin. Serve at Hogmanay (New Year's Eve).

If you've enjoyed this recipe for Black Bun, then see also some of the other delicious Scottish recipes:

Weights and Measurements - These charts should help you get the right weights and measurements for these ingredients.
Easter Sunday Menu - Have a look at the recipes I've chosen for Easter Sunday - Cream of Carrot & Coriander Soup, Roast Lamb, followed by profiteroles.
Valentine's Meal - Try the recipes I've chosen for Valentine's Day - starting with Smoked Salmon Mousse followed by Steak in a Whisky and Pepper Sauce, and finishing with a delicious Chocolate Cream.
Mothers' Day - A simple menu of Cottage Pie followed by Rhubarb Crumble.
Christmas Pudding - This traditional pudding is usually served on Christmas day throughout the UK as well as Scotland.
Clootie Dumpling - This rich and traditional dish is a favourite all year round but especially at Christmas time.
Christmas Cake - Do try this recipe for a traditional Christmas cake.
Cullen Skink - This famous fish soup is made with smoked haddock.
Trout in oatmeal - This traditional and famous dish made with local ingredients.
Roast Turkey Recipe - This simple recipe will be ideal for Christmas or Thanksgiving
Roast Venison - Make Christmas, Thanksgiving or other celebration special by serving roast venison to your guests.
Best Scone Recipes - Try the plain, fruit or the cheese scones.
Famous Shortbread Recipes - Have a look at some variations of shortbread recipes.
Haggis - Try this world-famous dish.
Pretend Haggis - If you can't face the 'real' thing, try this easy-to-make pretend haggis recipe.
Forfar Bridie - Try this filling meat 'pastie'.
Raspberry Recipes - See what you can do with a punnet of delicious raspberries, including the famous dessert, Crannachan.
Scotch Broth - See the recipe for hearty Scotch Broth.
Scotch Eggs - A simple recipe for you to try. Can be served hot or cold.
Scotch Pancakes - A quick, inexpensive treat for your guests.
Potato Scones - Serve Potato (or tattie) scone as part of the traditional Scottish Breakfast.
Tablet - Indulge in this delicious, but sweet Scottish confectionery.
Scottish Leek Soup Recipes - Try these two famous Scottish Leek Soup Recipes.
Scottish Lorne Sausages - Try this everyday dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Scotch Pies - This Traditional pie is made with mutton or lamb.
Traditional Fish and Chips in Batter. - If you're visiting Scotland - do try this from a good Fish and Chip Shop. But if you want to make it yourself, here's the recipe. Serve with 'mushy' peas.
Stovies - Try this simple, everyday dish, can be made with lamb, corned beef or even sausages.
Tipsy Laird - This delicious whisky trifle (similar to sherry trifle) is traditionally served at a Burns Supper.
Burns Supper - Learn a bit more about a Burns Supper and get the Menu and recipe for Haggis, chappit potatoes and bashed neeps.
Hogmanay Customs - See how we traditionally bring in the New Year in Scotland

Also look at some of the recipes contributed by visitors to this site.
Grandma Wright's Clootie Dumpling, Mince and Tatties, Quick Microwave Christmas Pudding, Cup of Tea Cake, Scottish Recipe against a Sore Throat, Gaelic Coffee, Mealy Potatoes, Scot's Pepper Pleasure Boat

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