Dessert · British · Tea-Time ·

Sweet Cornish Saffron Cake with Orange Glaze and Nutmeg

Name: Sweet Cornish Saffron Cake with Orange Glaze and Nutmeg
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 tsp saffron threads; 2 tbsp warm water; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter — softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; 2 large eggs; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., currants, raisins, and candied peel); 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

This traditional Cornish saffron cake is enriched with zesty orange and topped with a vibrant glaze and nutmeg, creating a delightful sensory experience.

4.1(707 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 13, 2026

Sweet Cornish Saffron Cake with Orange Glaze and Nutmeg — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Saffron Infusion

For the Cake

For the Orange Glaze

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 419 kcal
Protein: 7.53 g
Carbs: 74.61 g
Fat: 11.23 g
Fiber: 2.2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4190 kcal
Protein: 75.34 g
Carbs: 746.07 g
Fat: 112.3 g
Fiber: 22.04 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 tsp saffron threads	6	0.24	1.37	0.11	0.54
2 tbsp warm water	0	0	0	0	0
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour	1600	48	352	5	14
1 tsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
½ cup unsalted butter — softened	814	1	0	92	0
¾ cup granulated sugar	600	0	150	0	0
1 packet (7g) active dry yeast	21	2.6	2.7	0.3	0
¾ cup warm milk	110	8	12	5	0
2 large eggs	140	12	1	10	0
Zest of 1 orange	6	0.1	1.5	0.1	1
1 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., currants, raisins, and candied peel)	370	3	98	0.5	6
1 cup powdered sugar	480	0	120	0	0
3 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice	37	0.6	8.9	0.1	0.2
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg	6	0.1	0.6	0.3	0.3

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Saffron Infusion

1
Bloom the saffron
Soak the saffron threads in warm water for 30 minutes to bloom the flavor and color.
Tip: Ensuring the saffron is adequately bloomed will maximize its flavor and color.
2
Mix occasionally
Stir occasionally to mix well.
3
Set aside
Set aside until ready to use.

Mixing the Dough

1
Activate the yeast
Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
3
Form the dough
Add softened butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, and saffron infusion to the flour mixture.
Tip: Important: Do not overmix the dough; it should be just combined. Pro Tip: Let the dough rise in a warm place to allow it to double in size.

How to Make Sweet Cornish Saffron Cake with Orange Glaze and Nutmeg

Total time: 4 h · Yields 10 servings

1
Kneading the Dough
Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2
First Rise
Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size.
3
Baking the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.