Simple cake

Simple Cake - a classic, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe

Introduction

The cake is a dessert that brings back memories of childhood, of warm moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. This simple cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to sweeten an ordinary day or impress guests with a fluffy and aromatic dessert. With a mix of accessible ingredients, this cake can be customized with various flavors, from cocoa to dried fruits or nuts. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 250 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 4 eggs
- 5 tablespoons water
- 5 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- a pinch of salt

Necessary tools

- A cake pan (about 25 cm long)
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer (or a whisk if you want to challenge yourself)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Toothpick for testing doneness

Preparation

1. Prepare the sugar syrup
Start by making the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, add 250 g of sugar and 5 tablespoons of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture boil until the sugar completely dissolves and starts to form a slightly viscous syrup. This syrup will add moisture and sweetness to your cake.

2. Separate the eggs
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl is clean and dry, as any fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until you achieve firm peaks.

3. Add the hot syrup
When the syrup is ready, carefully pour it over the whipped egg whites while continuing to mix. Make sure the syrup is hot, as this will help stabilize the egg whites and make them even fluffier.

4. Incorporate the flour
Gradually add a little flour and a pinch of salt while continuing to mix on low speed. It is important not to add all the flour at once to avoid lumps. Mix until all the flour is well incorporated.

5. Prepare the yolks
In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the 5 tablespoons of oil until creamy. Then, add this mixture to the egg white and flour mixture, mixing gently until everything is well combined.

6. Prepare the baking pan
Line the cake pan with baking paper, so the cake comes out easily after baking. Pour 3/4 of the obtained mixture into the pan.

7. Add cocoa
To the remaining 1/4 of the mixture, add the 2 teaspoons of cocoa and mix well until you obtain a uniform paste. This will give a chocolate note to your cake.

8. Create the marbled effect
To achieve a marbled appearance, carefully pour the cocoa mixture over the white mixture in the pan. Use a spoon to make gentle circular movements through the batter without fully mixing it. This will add a special visual effect to your cake.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for 40-45 minutes. After 30 minutes, it’s good to check if it’s baked, but do not open the oven too often, as this can cause a drop in temperature.

10. Toothpick test
To check if the cake is baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, without traces of batter, the cake is ready. If not, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes and repeat the test.

11. Cooling
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This is the perfect time to enjoy the delicious aroma of your cake.

Serving and suggestions

Once the cake has completely cooled, you can slice it and serve it plain or alongside a vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack.

Possible variations

- Add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for an extra texture.
- Replace cocoa with cinnamon for a fragrant cake with winter notes.
- You can add dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) for a fresh and healthy touch.

Nutritional benefits

This simple cake is a source of carbohydrates and proteins, considering the eggs and flour used. A serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients and variations you choose. It is a good choice for a sweet snack, but it is important to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste will be different.

2. What if I don’t have cocoa?
If you don’t have cocoa, you can omit it completely or use other flavors like vanilla or lemon.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

4. What drinks pair well with the cake?
Besides tea and coffee, freshly made lemonade or a fruit smoothie would perfectly complement this dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to start cooking! This simple cake recipe is not only delicious but also an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and share the results with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!