Eccles Cakes

Eccles cakes are one of the quintessential pastries of British baking, famed for their rich, fruity centers and beautifully crisp, flaky pastry. Named after the town of Eccles in Greater Manchester—historically a part of Lancashire—these small round pastries have delighted generations with their simple yet indulgent flavor. Though they are commonly found in bakeries throughout the UK today, Eccles cakes have a fascinating history that stretches back centuries, closely tied to the evolution of regional baked goods and social rituals like afternoon tea.

These pastries are made with flaky pastry and filled with a sweet mixture of dried fruits, candied peel, butter, and warm spices. The golden-brown exterior of the pastry gives way to a deliciously sticky and spiced filling, making these cakes a perfect snack or dessert.