Coventry Godcakes are a traditional British pastry with a rich history and a tantalizingly sweet, spiced filling. Encased in buttery, golden-brown shortcrust pastry, these triangular treats are packed with a delightful mixture of currants, raisins, brown sugar, aromatic nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of bright lemon zest. Perfect for festive occasions or as an indulgent afternoon snack, Coventry Godcakes are finished with three iconic slits on top and a glossy egg wash for that irresistible bakery-style sheen. With just 30 minutes of prep time and a quick bake, these heritage-inspired pastries bring a taste of Old England straight to your table. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing dessert or tea-time delight!
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F) fan-assisted. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Add in the unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Knead lightly, then wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix together the currants, raisins, dark brown sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest until well combined.
On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to about 3mm thick. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into approximately 12 squares (around 10 cm per side).
Place a spoonful of the fruit filling mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the square over the filling to form a triangle, and press the edges together to seal.
Place the triangles onto the prepared baking tray. Use a sharp knife to make three small decorative slits on the top of each pastry.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the milk. Brush this mixture over the tops of the pastries to give them a golden glaze.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
2962 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.2 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.6 g | 388% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 519 mg | 173% | |
| Sodium | 137 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 425.8 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 203.4 g | ||
| Protein | 37.6 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 367 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2011 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.