Stacey’s Bakery has once again brought its traditional Thor Cake back into circulation – with the four-generation family firm expecting to make its 17,000th sale of the delicacy.
Thor Cake, which was traditionally made on November 5 and helped to bring Derbyshire communities together, is a spicy autumn biscuit with a chewy texture and a gingery kick, made from oatmeal, butter and treacle, with coriander and Demerara sugar.
Traditionally eaten on Bonfire Night, its flavours are similar to those of Yorkshire Parkin, but as a flatter biscuit-style of treat, it is tied to the East Midlands in that local communities would traditionally come together, bringing an ingredient each and baking the cake as a joint effort.
As well as following the custom of recreating the biscuit, Stacey’s has now started its own tradition, firmly establishing the lead-up to November 5 as time for selling Thor Cakes over the past six years.
David Stacey, managing director and great-grandson of the firm’s founder, Guy Stacey, said: “It’s become a bit of a highlight of our baking calendar, as well as something our customers look forward to.
“It’s really popular – so much so that we sell around 2,500 Thor Cakes each year, and considering they’re only available for a limited six-week period, that’s really something.”