How To Make : "Gur" Cake

Recently we shared over on our Facebook and Instagram a delicious looking photo of a uniquely Irish treat: "Gur" Cake!

Now, many may be familiar with Irish staples like Soda Bread, but are you familiar with Gur Cake? Read on for a brief history of this Dublin treat, how it got its unusual name, and how you can make your very own Gur Cake for a taste of Ireland wherever you are in the world. We'd love to know if you attempt it! Let us know via email or by tagging us on social media to share your success!

What is Gur Cake?

Gur Cake is a popular dessert from Dublin, Ireland. Dating back to the early 19th Century, bakers would turn their leftover bread into the filling of what is known as Gur Cake. The sweet fruit and bread filling is baked between two layers of pastry for a fortifying Dublin staple.

Gemma from the My Irish Jeweler team shared her family story of Gur Cake: "It's a recipe that's been passed down from my great grandmother and my Nana used to make it all the time." Gemma tells us that "Gur cake is an Irish or mostly Dublin cake, tho it goes by other names in different counties."

What's in a Name?

The unique name “Gur Cake” is thought to have originated from gurriers, or children who skipped school! Known as “on the gur” to the fine folk of Dublin city, this sweet cake got its name from its affordable ingredients -- bread and fruit -- making it something attractive to a child with very little pocket money. To many who grew up in Dublin, Gur Cake would be a recognizable part of their childhood.

In other areas of the country, such as Cork, Gur Cake can be called “Gudge” or “Donkey’s Gudge”. In the U.K. it is closely related to the somewhat unappealingly called “Flies Graveyard” cake.

How Can I Make Gur Cake?

To make your own Gur Cake at home is simple! You’ll need bread crumbs, pastry, cinnamon, raisins and other dried fruits etc.

We recommend this great recipe from SuperValu for getting started. Soak your bread in tea for upwards of a half hour. Mix the bread, flour, baking powder, mixed spices, sugar, butter, fruit, beaten egg, and milk in a bowl. After you’ve lined the bottom of your baking tin with pastry, spoon in your filling and place another sheet of pastry on top. Make a few scores with the knife and pop that into the oven for 1 hour at 180 (375 for North Americans). Sprinkle with castor sugar, cool and cut to serve!