Welsh Cakes Calories

Last reviewed: August 1, 2026

Reviewed by the CalorieMetrica Editorial Team · Methodology · Data sources

Welsh Cakes (Pice ar y Maen — 'cakes on the stone') are traditional Welsh flat griddle cakes made from a scone-like dough of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, mixed spice, and currants, cooked directly on a hot bakestone (griddle) rather than in an oven. They are soft inside with lightly toasted, golden exteriors, dusted with caster sugar, and eaten warm or at room temperature. Smaller than a crumpet and thicker than a biscuit, Welsh Cakes are sold throughout Wales at markets, bakeries, and roadside stalls — particularly in Cardiff's indoor market.

175

Calories

Protein

26g

Carbs

Fat

Per serving: 2 cakes (80g)

Nutrition Facts — Welsh Cakes

Nutrient	Per Serving (2 cakes (80g))	% Daily Value
Calories	140 kcal	7%
Protein	2.4g	5%
Total Carbohydrates	20.8g	8%
— Dietary Fiber	0.8g	3%
— Sugars	8g	—
Total Fat	5.6g	7%

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Welsh Cakes are more nutritious than many British teatime biscuits — they contain egg and milk, providing protein and calcium alongside the carbohydrates. Two small cakes make a satisfying snack at under 200 calories.

About Welsh Cakes

Welsh Cakes have been made in Wales for centuries, cooked on a bakestone (a flat cast-iron griddle) over an open fire. Before the spread of kitchen ranges and ovens, the bakestone was the primary cooking surface in Welsh kitchens. The cakes require no oven, making them perfectly suited to this tradition. They have been a consistent part of Welsh food culture through industrialisation and modernisation, and today are as culturally important in Wales as scones are in England. Cardiff Market is famous for its Welsh Cakes stalls, which attract tourists and locals alike.

Welsh Cakes — Calorie Variations

Variant	Calories
Traditional Welsh Cakes with Currants	175 kcal
Chocolate Chip Welsh Cakes	200 kcal
Cinnamon Welsh Cakes	180 kcal
Large Welsh Cakes (bakery-size)	220 kcal

Cooking Tips

Don't roll the dough too thin — 1cm thickness gives the right ratio of soft interior to toasted exterior.
Cook on a medium-low heat — too hot and they burn outside before cooking through.
Dust with caster sugar immediately after cooking while still warm.
Use lard rather than butter for authenticity and a flakier texture.

Healthier Alternatives to Welsh Cakes

Alternative	Calories	Why It's Better
Digestive Biscuit	70 kcal	Lower calorie, simple biscuit
Fruit Scone (half)	135 kcal	Similar occasion, oven-baked
Crumpet with Butter	180 kcal	Similar calories, yeast-based

Storage & Shelf Life

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Welsh Cakes?

Welsh Cakes are traditional Welsh flat griddle cakes made from a scone-like dough with currants and mixed spice, cooked on a hot bakestone. They are dusted with sugar and eaten warm or cold.

How do Welsh Cakes differ from scones?

Welsh Cakes are cooked on a griddle (not in an oven), are thinner and flatter than scones, and have a lightly toasted exterior. Scones are oven-baked with a soft, crumbly texture throughout. Welsh Cakes also contain more egg and less raising agent.

How many calories in Welsh Cakes?

Two standard Welsh Cakes (about 80g) contain approximately 170–190 calories. They are a reasonably moderate teatime treat compared to many British bakery items.

Welsh Cakes Calculator