Go Back

Cauldron Cakes | Harry Potter Series

Bryton Taylor; Food in Literature
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

THE GROUND SPICE MIX

  • 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground anise you can buy star anise and grind down yourself
  • 1/4 tsp ground fennel seed if you can only find whole, grind down yourself
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

THE RECIPE

  • canola oil spray
  • 150-160 g of pitted dates
  • 1 1/2 tsp of the spice mix
  • 1/2 tsp almond essence
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1/2 cup 115g butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup water
  • icing sugar for dusting

TOOLS

  • a round bottom tray. You can find them on Amazon under 'mince pie pan' http://amzn.to/2jWIfQD or in Australia you'll find them in most grocery stores/ kitchen stores as 'patty pans'

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 175C/350F.
  • Mix together the spice mix and place in a air tight container. You'll only be using a bit of this mix for this recipe.
  • Spray the food processor with the canola oil so the dates don't stick.
  • In batches, heat up the dates (in a small microwavable bowl) in the microwave for 10-15 secs to soften.
  • Place in the food processor and blend, then repeat with the rest.
  • By hand, mix the 1 1/2 tsp of spice mix and 1/2 tsp of almond essence into the date mixture.
  • Set aside.
  • In a mixer, beat the butter, then add in the sugar.
  • Beat for a few minutes until creamy.
  • Add in the flour, then the water.
  • Turn out onto a board dusted with plain flour.
  • Roll out relatively thinly, and cut out circles.
  • Spray your cookie tray with canola oil spray.
  • Place one circle into a cookie hole.
  • Take a small ball of the date mixture, and press with your fingers into a flattened circle.
  • Place into the cookie tray on top of the dough.
  • Place another cookie dough circle on top.
  • Press the middle down, then press the edges together.
  • Repeat, then place in the oven to bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven, use the back of a large spoon to gently press the centres (to keep the indentation), then set aside to cool.
  • Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Notes

This recipe was inspired (although the end process was completely different) by Ma'amoul recipes, in particular from the book An Edible Mosaic: Middle Eastern Fare with Extraordinary Flair
Tried this recipe?Many recipes are adapted from historical cookbooks so share your own tips & tweaks below to help others! 📝 Include ingredients or steps you modified and let everyone know how it turned out. Just remember, keep the conversation as warm and welcoming as Mrs. Weasley's kitchen, please. ❤️