The courting cake was originally made in the North of England by young girls for their betrotheds, hence the name. But the cake is beginning to make a comeback thanks to the wedding of William and Kate.

The courting cake is a real summer treat and a good way of using up slightly bruised or over-ripe strawberries or making just a few go further.

There are numerous ways to make a courting cake but the best way is to use a short bread base and a sponge on top of the filling.