Celebrate Samhain and Guy Fawkes Night with Parkin Cake: The Ultimate Post-Swim Treat
As the days grow shorter and colder, there's no better way to embrace the changing season than with a little celebration rooted in tradition. Samhain, the Celtic festival of the dead, originally celebrated on 1st November, involved bonfires and special cakes like Parkin. Over the centuries, this tradition evolved. When Guy Fawkes gave the Church a reason to celebrate bonfires in 1605, the Samhain bonfire tradition was adapted and moved to 5th November—Guy Fawkes Night!
Fast forward to today, and while fireworks light up the sky, one thing remains timeless: Parkin cake. This classic Yorkshire treat first appeared in 1728, and in Leeds, 5th November is even called “Parkin Night.” The cake, made with oats harvested in late autumn, is packed with warm ginger and treacle flavours, making it the perfect comfort food as the weather cools.
But why limit this sticky, delicious cake to just bonfire night? We think Parkin is the perfect post-swim treat, no matter the month. After all, nothing beats gathering around with a group of fellow swimmers, wrapping up in your Changing Tube, and cracking open a flask of hot tea and a slice of sticky, spiced cake after a dip in the cold.
Ingredients
- 200g butter plus extra for greasing
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp milk
- 200g golden syrup
- 85g treacle
- 85g light soft brown sugar
- 100g medium oatmeal
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
Method
Parkin is a slow-bake recipe (historically cooked on a griddle when ovens weren’t the norm). It’s the perfect cake for those cold nights when you want your kitchen filled with the comforting smell of treacle and spice.
- Preheat your oven to 140°C (fan).
- Grease a deep, 22cm square tin and line it with baking parchment for easy removal later.
- Beat the egg and milk together with a fork in a bowl.
- Place the golden syrup, treacle, sugar, and butter in a pan over low heat until melted. Enjoy the warm aroma filling your kitchen!
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the oatmeal, flour, and ginger.
- Add the beaten egg and milk mixture, and stir well.
- Pour the Parkin mixture into the lined tin and bake for 50 minutes to an hour, or until the cake is firm and slightly crusty on top.
- To check if it’s ready, insert a knife into the centre. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
- Let the cake cool completely in the tin before wrapping it in foil.
Tip: The secret to a great Parkin is letting it rest for a few days (up to 5) so it becomes beautifully soft and sticky. It’s worth the wait—trust us!
Perfect for Your Night Swims
Parkin isn’t just for bonfire night; it’s the ultimate companion for night swims too! As we dive into the chilly waters under the Autumn moon, this spiced cake warms us up and adds a touch of comfort. Plus, it’s the ideal treat to share with fellow swimmers as you gather around, swapping stories and enjoying the camaraderie of the cold water community.
So, whether you’re celebrating the ancient spirit of Samhain, watching fireworks dance across the sky, or just coming back from a group night swim, Parkin cake is the perfect way to wrap up your adventures.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November, and enjoy your Parkin! For more autumnal swim treats, check out our other recipes.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys
God save the King!
