Last updated on June 13th, 2025
Here is an original recipe for “A Great Cake” and “Another Great Cake” from my 1940 The Martha Washington Cook Book.
The original Great Cake recipe dates back to the late 1700’s, and called for 40 eggs, 4 pounds of sugar, 4 pounds of butter, 5 pounds of flour, along with raisins, currants, wine, brandy, and spices. It was yeast-leavened before baking powder became widely available, and it required long hours of preparation and baking. This rich, decadent cake was typically only made for special occasions like English Twelfth Night celebrations, held around January 5th or 6th.
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter well and add sugar gradually.
- Add the eggs, well beaten, and spices.
- Gradually stir in flour, sifted with soda and salt, hot water, and enough white wine to make a stiff dough.
- Add currants, which have been rolled in flour.
- Turn into deep pans and bake in a slow oven about three hours.
- A better result is obtained if the cake pans are set in pans containing a little water during the first half of the baking.
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