Parkin (cake)

Parkin

Yorkshire parkin
Place of origin	England
Region or state	Northern England
Main ingredients	Flour, oatmeal, molasses, ginger, lard or butter

Parkin is a gingerbread cake traditionally made with oatmeal and black treacle,^[1] which originated in Northern England. Often associated with Yorkshire,^[2] it is widespread and popular elsewhere, notably in Lancashire. Parkin is baked to a hard cake but with resting becomes moist and even sometimes sticky. There are regional differences, for example in Hull and East Yorkshire, it has a drier, more biscuit-like texture than in other areas whereas in Lancashire it is generally made with golden syrup rather than the treacle used elsewhere. Parkin is traditionally eaten on Guy Fawkes Night,^[3] 5 November, and when celebrating 'Yorkshire Day' on 1 August. But is also enjoyed throughout the winter months. It is baked commercially throughout Yorkshire, but is mainly a domestic product in other areas.