Simple cake

Simple cake – a classic dessert, easy to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for any occasion! I will present a detailed, step-by-step recipe that will help you achieve a fluffy and aromatic cake that will surely impress everyone. Making this cake is a true art, but also a moment of joy, especially when enjoyed with loved ones.

General Information
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 16 slices (for 2 cake pans)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories

Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups sugar (approximately 400 g)
- 2 cups flour (approximately 250 g)
- 8 tablespoons oil (approximately 120 ml, you can use sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 packet baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Necessary Utensils
- 2 cake pans (preferably 25x10 cm)
- Electric mixer
- Large bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Sifter
- Knife or grater for lemon zest
- Toothpick (for the baking test)

A Brief History
The cake is a beloved dessert worldwide, with deep roots in baking tradition. With a fluffy texture and filled with various flavors, the cake has become a symbol of hospitality and homemade sweets. The cake recipe we will prepare today is a simple one that combines tradition with ease of preparation, making it ideal for both quick desserts and snacks between meals.

Step by step for a perfect cake

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature to achieve a uniform and well-integrated composition. Separate the egg whites from the yolks in a large bowl. It is essential that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is completely clean and dry, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites
Add a pinch of salt over the egg whites, then use the electric mixer on medium speed to beat them. When the egg whites start to become frothy, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy, firm meringue with peaks. This stage is crucial, as the meringue will give the cake an airy texture.

Step 3: Incorporating the yolks and oil
Add one yolk at a time to the meringue, mixing well after each addition. Then, gradually add the oil while continuing to mix. The oil will add moisture and contribute to the cake's soft texture.

Step 4: Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the egg composition, mixing with a spatula. It is important not to overmix, but to incorporate the ingredients until there are no traces of flour.

Step 5: Flavoring the composition
Set aside 3-4 tablespoons of the cake mixture and mix them with the cocoa powder. In the remaining mixture, add the grated lemon zest and vanilla extract. The lemon zest will add a fresh note, while the vanilla will enrich the flavor.

Step 6: Assembling the cake
In the two cake pans, alternately pour the white mixture and the cocoa mixture to create a marbled effect. Use a fork to gently swirl if you want a more interesting pattern. This detail will add a pleasant visual aspect to your dessert.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking, as this can cause the cake to collapse.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once cooled, you can slice it and serve it. This simple cake is delicious both plain and with a serving of Nutella or alongside a glass of hot milk.

Serving Suggestions
For a delicious contrast, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cake before serving. Another idea is to serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or with a serving of fresh fruit. The cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, making it an ideal dessert for a relaxing afternoon.

Possible Variations
- Nut cake: Add chopped nuts or almonds to the mixture for extra crunch.
- Fruit cake: You can incorporate pieces of bananas or grated apples to add a fruity taste and moist texture.
- Chocolate cake: Replace cocoa with melted chocolate for a more decadent cake.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why doesn’t my cake rise in the oven?
It is essential not to open the oven door too early and to ensure you have whipped the egg whites well enough.

2. Can I use olive oil instead of regular oil?
Yes, but I recommend a lighter olive oil, so it doesn’t affect the cake's flavor.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and to keep it moist, add a slice of bread to the container.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing for easier tasting.

The simple cake recipe is not only a wonderful way to enjoy a quick dessert, but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories in the kitchen. Savor every moment and every slice of cake!

 Ingredients: 8 eggs, 2 cups sugar, 2 cups flour, 8 tablespoons oil, baking powder, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon cocoa, vanilla essence (the ingredients are for 2 loaf pans)

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