Griddling a Welsh Cake might seem simple — after all, they’re not baked in an oven. But if you’ve ever hovered over a hot pan wondering, “Is this ready yet?” — you’re not alone!
Knowing exactly when a Welsh Cake is done is one of those little skills that turns a good bake into a great one. And we’re here to help you get it just right.
The Perfect Cooking Time
Most Welsh Cakes take about:
⏱ 3–4 minutes per side
On a medium-low heat
But don’t just go by the clock — go by the look, feel, and smell. Let’s break it down.
Signs Your Welsh Cake Is Done
1. Golden brown on both sides
The surface should be:
- Light golden with gentle browning
- Slightly crisp on the outside
- No burnt patches or pale spots
If it gets too dark too fast, your pan is too hot. Turn it down and cook it low and slow.
2. Soft and slightly springy to touch
When you gently press the centre:
- It should feel firm but not hard
- A little give is perfect
- Overcooked Welsh Cakes feel dry or crumbly
3. Even rise and no raw dough inside
Cut one open to check (especially the first one):
- The inside should look soft and fluffy
- No wet or sticky streaks of dough
- Currants should be warm and juicy, not shrivelled or burnt
4. They smell incredible
Trust your nose! When they’re nearly done, you’ll smell:
- Warm butter
- Toasty sugar
- A hint of spice (cinnamon or nutmeg, if using)
The moment they smell right, they’re usually close.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Problem | What Went Wrong | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt outside, raw inside | Pan too hot | Turn down the heat, cook longer |
| Too pale or dry | Undercooked or overcooked on low heat | Adjust timing, check temperature |
| Flat and dense | Overworked dough or too hot a pan | Handle gently, griddle at low-medium heat |
Bonus Tip: Cook a “test cake” first
At CwtchBakes, we always test Welsh Cakes before starting a batch, especially with a new pan or temperature.
Make one first, cut it open, taste, adjust heat… then griddle the rest confidently.
In Summary:
To tell if a Welsh Cake is done, look for:
- ✅ Golden colour
- ✅ Soft but set centre
- ✅ Gentle rise
- ✅ Heavenly smell
Once you’ve made them a few times, you’ll develop a feel for it — and trust us, your nose and fingertips will know before your timer does.