The Great British Bake Off 2013: The Courting Cake recipe

The courting cake was originally made in the North of England by young girls for their betrotheds, hence the name.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.

courting cake
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.