Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for making mouthwatering treats. Today, we are going to show you how to make Kendal mint cake at home, a delicious and easy recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a boost of energy.
Kendal mint cake is a sugar-based confection flavoured with peppermint, that originates from Kendal, a town in Cumbria, England. It is popular among climbers and mountaineers, especially those from the United Kingdom, as a source of energy. It was famously carried by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on the first successful summit of Mount Everest in 1953[^1^]. Kendal mint cake is also a favourite of tourists and locals in the Lake District, where it is sold in various shops and cafes.
What You Need to Make Kendal Mint Cake
To make Kendal mint cake at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of white granulated sugar
- 150 ml of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint essence or oil
- Butter for greasing
- Optional: 100 grams of milk or dark chocolate, melted
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A candy thermometer
- A small and shallow tin or tray
- A knife or spatula
- A glass of cold water
A Note on Peppermint Essence or Oil
Peppermint essence or oil is what gives Kendal mint cake its distinctive flavour and aroma. You can use either one, depending on your preference and availability. Peppermint essence is a liquid extract that is usually sold in small bottles in supermarkets or baking shops. Peppermint oil is a more concentrated form of peppermint essence that is usually sold in health food stores or online. Peppermint oil is stronger than peppermint essence, so you may need to adjust the amount you use accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to use half the amount of peppermint oil as you would peppermint essence.
A Note on Chocolate Coating
Chocolate coating is an optional addition that can make your Kendal mint cake even more delicious and decadent. You can use either milk or dark chocolate, depending on your taste. To melt the chocolate, you can use a microwave or a double boiler. A microwave is faster and easier, but you need to be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate. A double boiler is a more gentle and even way of melting chocolate, but it requires more time and equipment. To use a microwave, chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate for 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval, until it is smooth and glossy. To use a double boiler, chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is smooth and glossy.
How to Make Kendal Mint Cake: Step by Step Instructions
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients and equipment, you are ready to make Kendal mint cake at home. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of this tasty treat:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and milk and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, insert a candy thermometer and continue to cook, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 115 degrees Celsius (239 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the soft ball stage, which means that if you drop a small amount of the mixture into a glass of cold water, it will form a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the peppermint essence or oil. Stir well to combine.
- Butter a small and shallow tin or tray and pour the mixture into it. Spread it evenly with a knife or spatula.
- If you want to add a chocolate coating, wait for about 10 minutes until the mint mixture is slightly set but still warm. Then pour the melted chocolate over it and spread it evenly with a knife or spatula.
- Let the Kendal mint cake cool completely in the fridge before cutting into bars or pieces.
- Enjoy your homemade Kendal mint cake as a snack, a dessert, or an energy boost. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to a month.
Kendal Mint Cake Nutrition Facts
Kendal mint cake is a high-calorie and high-sugar confection that should be consumed in moderation. It is not a healthy food, but it can provide a quick and convenient source of energy when needed. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one bar (50 grams) of Kendal mint cake, based on the recipe above:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 192 | 10% |
| Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | N/A |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 48 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 43 g | N/A |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | N/A |
| Vitamin C | 0% | N/A |
| Calcium | 4% | N/A |
| Iron | 0% | N/A |
Note: These nutrition facts do not include the chocolate coating, which will add more calories, fat, and sugar to the Kendal mint cake. The daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
Kendal Mint Cake FAQ
What is the history of Kendal mint cake?
Kendal mint cake was invented by accident in the late 19th century by Joseph Wiper, a confectioner in Kendal. He was trying to make glacier mints, a type of hard candy, but left the sugar boiling for too long and it turned into a cloudy and crumbly mixture. He decided to sell it as mint cake, and it became a hit with the locals and visitors. Later, his nephew George Romney took over the business and expanded it, creating the famous Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake brand that still exists today. Other brands of Kendal mint cake include Quiggins and Wilsons.
Why is Kendal mint cake popular among climbers and mountaineers?
Kendal mint cake is popular among climbers and mountaineers because it is a high-energy food that can help them cope with the physical demands and harsh conditions of high-altitude expeditions. It is also lightweight, compact, durable, and easy to eat. The peppermint flavour can also help to refresh the mouth and mask the taste of stale water or food. Kendal mint cake has been used by many famous explorers and adventurers, such as Sir Ernest Shackleton, Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, and Ranulph Fiennes.
How do you eat Kendal mint cake?
There is no right or wrong way to eat Kendal mint cake. You can eat it as it is, or break it into smaller pieces and suck on them. You can also melt it in hot water or milk to make a minty drink, or use it as an ingredient in baking or cooking. Some people like to dip it in chocolate or spread it with jam or peanut butter. You can also experiment with different flavours of Kendal mint cake, such as brown (made with brown sugar), chocolate (made with cocoa powder), or rum and raisin.
How do you store Kendal mint cake?
Kendal mint cake can last for a long time if stored properly. You should keep it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You should also avoid exposing it to moisture or humidity, as this can make it sticky or soggy. If you notice any signs of mould or spoilage, discard the Kendal mint cake immediately.
Where can you buy Kendal mint cake?
Kendal mint cake is widely available in the United Kingdom, especially in the Lake District and other areas where outdoor activities are popular. You can find it in supermarkets, convenience stores, souvenir shops, outdoor equipment shops, or online. You can also order it directly from the manufacturers’ websites or through Amazon or eBay. Alternatively, you can make your own Kendal mint cake at home using our recipe above.
Is Kendal mint cake vegan?
Kendal mint cake is usually vegan, as it does not contain any animal products or by-products. However, some brands may use milk or butter in their recipes, so you should always check the ingredients list before buying or consuming Kendal mint cake. Also, some types of sugar may be processed with bone char, which is derived from animal bones. If you want to avoid this, look for organic or vegan-certified sugar, or use alternatives such as coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Is Kendal mint cake gluten-free?
Kendal mint cake is usually gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or other grains that contain gluten. However, some brands may use additives or preservatives that may contain gluten, so you should always check the label before buying or consuming Kendal mint cake. Also, some types of peppermint essence or oil may be derived from wheat-based alcohol, which may contain traces of gluten. If you want to avoid this, look for pure peppermint essence or oil that is gluten-free certified.
Is Kendal mint cake keto-friendly?
Kendal mint cake is not keto-friendly, as it is very high in carbohydrates and sugars that can spike your blood glucose levels and kick you out of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. To achieve and maintain ketosis, you need to limit your intake of carbs to about 20 to 50 grams per day, depending on your individual needs and goals. One bar of Kendal mint cake contains about 48 grams of carbs, which is more than your daily allowance on a keto diet. Therefore, Kendal mint cake is not suitable for keto dieters.
Is Kendal mint cake halal?
Kendal mint cake is usually halal, as it does not contain any pork or alcohol, which are forbidden in Islam. However, some brands may use gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients that may not be halal, so you should always check the label before buying or consuming Kendal mint cake. Also, some types of peppermint essence or oil may be derived from alcohol, which is also prohibited in Islam. If you want to avoid this, look for peppermint essence or oil that is halal certified.
Is Kendal mint cake healthy?
Kendal mint cake is not healthy, as it is very high in calories, fat, and sugar that can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay, and other health problems. It also does not provide any significant vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that are essential for your well-being. Kendal mint cake should be consumed in moderation as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of your diet. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, you can try making your own Kendal mint cake with natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar, or adding some nuts or dried fruits for extra fibre and protein.
Conclusion
Kendal mint cake is a traditional British confection that has a long and fascinating history. It is a favourite of climbers and mountaineers, as well as tourists and locals in the Lake District. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and equipment, and you can customize it with different flavours and toppings. However, it is also very high in calories, fat, and sugar, so you should enjoy it sparingly and responsibly.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Kendal mint cake. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in this topic. Also, don’t forget to check out our other articles on our blog for more delicious recipes and interesting facts. Thank you for reading and have a great day!