Stottie cake, a humble yet iconic bread from North East England, has captured the hearts of many for its simplicity and delightful taste. This article is your complete guide to mastering a stottie cake recipe bread machine version—perfect for both traditionalists and modern bakers. We’ll walk through its history, provide a step-by-step recipe, and offer serving ideas to elevate your baking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a bread machine novice, this article has something for everyone.
Introduction to Stottie Cake
What is Stottie Cake?
Stottie cake, sometimes called “stotty cake,” isn’t a cake at all—it’s a type of flat, round bread with a chewy interior and a crusty exterior. Originating from North East England, this bread is a symbol of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Its name derives from the local word “stot,” meaning “to bounce,” which describes the dough’s elasticity during preparation.
While it may look plain compared to artisan loaves, the stottie cake shines in its simplicity. Traditionally, it’s served with butter, jam, or treacle but is also famous for pairing with ham and pease pudding.
Historical Significance and Regional Connection
The stottie cake was born out of thrift and resourcefulness. In the past, home bakers used leftover white bread dough to create this flat loaf. It was baked at the bottom of the oven as it cooled, giving the bread its distinctive texture. Today, it stands as a beloved reminder of simpler times and hearty, homemade meals.
Why Use a Bread Machine for Stottie Cake?
Making a stottie cake recipe bread machine version preserves tradition while embracing convenience. Bread machines take the guesswork out of kneading and proofing, ensuring consistent results. They also allow modern bakers to enjoy this traditional bread with minimal effort, making it accessible to everyone.
Ingredients and Preparations
Essential Ingredients for Stottie Cake Recipe
Making a traditional stottie cake recipe bread machine version requires only a handful of basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) strong white bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ ounce (15g) fresh yeast or one 7g packet of quick-dry yeast
- ¾ pint (450ml) tepid water
- A pinch of white pepper for added depth
These simple, unassuming ingredients create a bread that’s chewy, flavorful, and versatile.
Tips for Selecting Ingredients for Stottie Cake
To get the best results for your stottie cake recipe bread machine, choose high-quality flour with strong gluten content. It helps achieve the right elasticity in the dough. If possible, opt for fresh yeast, which provides a deeper flavor compared to its dry counterpart. However, quick-dry yeast works just as well if you’re in a pinch. Always use warm—not hot—water to activate the yeast without killing it.
Preparing the Dough in a Bread Machine
Using a bread machine for your stottie cake recipe simplifies the preparation process. Start by adding the water to the machine, followed by the dry ingredients. Ensure that the yeast does not directly touch the salt, as this can affect the fermentation process. Select the “dough” setting on your machine, and let it handle the mixing, kneading, and initial proofing for you. This method ensures a consistently smooth and elastic dough every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Activating the Yeast
If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water with the sugar and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until frothy. For dry yeast, simply mix it with the dry ingredients in your bread machine.
Mixing and Kneading in the Bread Machine
Place the wet ingredients, including the yeast mixture if using fresh yeast, into the bread machine pan first. Then add the dry ingredients, ensuring that the salt and yeast remain separate. Select the dough setting, which takes care of kneading and proofing. The machine ensures a uniform texture, which is key to achieving the chewy consistency of stottie cake.
Shaping and Baking Your Stottie Cake Recipe
Once the machine finishes its cycle, transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions, then shape each portion into a flat, round disc about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use the end of a rolling pin or your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each disc. This iconic mark is a signature feature of stottie cakes.
Baking the Perfect Stottie Cake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet. Place the discs on the sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and let the bread sit inside for another 20–30 minutes to finish cooking in the residual heat. This slow baking method is what gives the stottie cake recipe bread machine its characteristic texture.
Variations and Customizations
Flavored Stottie Cake Recipe Ideas
The stottie cake recipe bread machine can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. For a cheesy twist, add shredded cheddar, parmesan, or even blue cheese to the dough during the bread machine’s kneading cycle. For a more aromatic flavor, incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Want to experiment with sweetness? Mix in a tablespoon of honey or sugar for a subtle change in taste. These simple additions can transform the traditional stottie cake into a customized masterpiece, perfect for sandwiches or snacks.
Substituting Ingredients for Dietary Preferences
To make your stottie cake recipe bread machine gluten-free, use a high-quality gluten-free bread flour mix and adjust the water quantity to ensure a soft dough. For a healthier version, replace half of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour. This tweak adds a nutty flavor and enhances the bread’s nutritional value while retaining its dense texture.
Using Different Types of Flour
Experiment with flours like rye or spelt for a rustic twist. These flours provide a deeper, earthy flavor, perfect for pairing with hearty fillings like ham or pease pudding. Keep in mind that these alternative flours may require slight adjustments to water ratios for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Classic Stottie Bread Pairings
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of stottie cake slathered with butter. It melts into the chewy crumb, creating a simple yet indulgent treat. For those with a sweet tooth, topping it with jam or treacle provides a nostalgic nod to traditional English breakfasts.
The Iconic Ham and Pease Pudding Sandwich
Perhaps the most famous way to enjoy stottie cake is as a sandwich filled with ham and pease pudding. This quintessential North East England combination perfectly balances the dense bread’s chewiness with the creamy, slightly salty flavor of pease pudding and the savory richness of ham.
Modern Ways to Serve Stottie Cake Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing stottie slices with contemporary toppings. Avocado and poached eggs create a healthy, trendy breakfast, while hummus and roasted vegetables offer a satisfying vegetarian option. The bread’s sturdy texture also makes it an excellent companion for soups and stews, ideal for dipping and soaking up flavors.
For more bread recipes, check out our Easy Bread Recipes Guide to expand your baking repertoire.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Making the perfect stottie cake recipe bread machine can sometimes come with hiccups, but most problems are easy to solve. If your bread turns out too dense, double-check your flour-to-water ratio. A dough that’s too dry won’t rise properly, so add small amounts of water until it’s soft and pliable. Conversely, if the dough is sticky and hard to handle, sprinkle in extra flour a little at a time.
Another common issue is uneven baking. This often occurs if the dough isn’t shaped evenly. Always flatten the dough into a uniform disc and make an indentation in the center to ensure it bakes evenly.
Adjusting for Altitude and Oven Types
For bakers at higher altitudes, stottie cakes may rise faster due to reduced air pressure. To avoid over-proofing, reduce the proofing time slightly and keep an eye on the dough’s rise. If your oven tends to run hot, bake at a slightly lower temperature or reduce the time by a few minutes to prevent an overly crusty exterior.
Pro Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
The key to a great stottie cake recipe bread machine lies in kneading and proofing. Ensure the bread machine’s kneading cycle is thorough to build strong gluten. Let the dough proof just enough to double in size but not more, as over-proofing can lead to a flat loaf.
FAQs Section
Why is stottie cake so called?
The name “stottie cake” or “stotty” comes from the Geordie word “stot,” meaning to bounce. The bread is so named because the dough is traditionally “stotted” (bounced) off the oven’s hot walls to ensure it is flat and round, with a heavy, dense texture.
What to do with a stottie?
Stottie cakes are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes. They are commonly sliced horizontally and filled with ingredients like ham, pease pudding, or bacon to make sandwiches. They can also be served alongside soup or used as a base for hearty toppings.
Can you freeze stottie cakes?
Yes, you can freeze stottie cakes. It’s best to slice them first so you can thaw only as much as you need at a time. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can you buy stotties in Scotland?
While stottie cakes are a traditional North East English bread, specifically from the Newcastle area, it might be less common to find them in Scotland. However, larger supermarkets or bakeries that specialize in British or specifically Northern English foods might stock them, or you could find them at speciality food shops in some of the larger cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Revisiting the Heritage of Stottie Cake
The stottie cake recipe bread machine combines tradition with modern convenience, allowing anyone to recreate this iconic North East England bread. Its dense crumb and crusty exterior evoke memories of simpler times while fitting perfectly into today’s kitchens.
Encouragement for Home Bakers
Don’t hesitate to experiment! With a bread machine, making stottie cake becomes accessible and rewarding. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try modern twists, you’ll love the homemade goodness. Share your stottie cake with friends and family, and celebrate the rich culinary history it represents.
Additional Tips and Resources
Exploring Other Bread Machine Recipes
Once you’ve mastered the stottie cake recipe bread machine, why not explore other traditional breads? Recipes for sourdough, focaccia, or Irish soda bread can be adapted to a bread machine, offering endless variety. Each type brings unique textures and flavors to your baking repertoire.
Staying Inspired and Informed
For more recipes and techniques, check out our Bread Machine Recipes Hub. It’s packed with ideas to keep your baking fresh and exciting. Whether you’re looking to try international flavors or regional favorites, you’ll find something to spark your creativity.