VE DAY 75: Bake your own British Victory Cake

If you are having your own VE Day event at home, here's a British Victory Cake recipe that you could have a go at making. Former South Holland District Councillor, Jan Whitbourn, is running a competition for veterans to join in, if they wish.

You'll need a ten inch (25cm) cake pan for the bake.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons butter (42g), plus more for the pan

405g plain flour, plus more for the pan

300g seedless raisins

475ml cold water

400g granulated sugar

6g baking soda

4g baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

16g cocoa powder

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Butter and flour the baking pan.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, raisins, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for five minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices, and cocoa powder.

Add the dry mixture to the cooked raisin mixture and stir to thoroughly combine. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake for 1 1/2 hours, covering with foil during the last 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Let cool slightly, then invert pan and shake gently onto cooling rack

• Are you having a VE Day party at home with your household? We'd love to see your photos. Please email them to: victoria.fear@iliffepublishing.co.uk