Lenten Cake NISTISIMO

Nistissimo Cake - A Lenten Delicacy

If you're looking for a simple, quick, and delicious recipe that will delight your taste buds and is perfect for the Lenten season, the Nistissimo cake is the ideal choice. This cake has a beautiful story, being a traditional recipe that my husband's grandmother lovingly prepares every year, especially during Lent. With enticing aromas of oranges and a moist texture, Nistissimo quickly becomes everyone's favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 3 ½ cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of raisins or 2 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 cup of unsalted roasted nuts, finely chopped (or walnuts, pistachios)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups of orange juice (freshly squeezed or from a carton, non-carbonated)
- ¾ cup of olive oil

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish or loaf pan
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Mixer (optional)
- Toothpick for testing doneness

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Use a 200 ml cup for measurements. When measuring the oil, do not fill the cup completely; leave it three-quarters full.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nuts. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: In the center of the dry ingredient mixture, make a well and add the olive oil, orange juice, and raisins or banana slices. Mix everything until you get a homogeneous, slightly sticky dough. Don't worry if the dough seems a bit stickier; it's normal!

4. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Meanwhile, grease the baking dish with margarine and sprinkle a little flour on the bottom to prevent the cake from sticking.

5. Baking the cake: Pour the dough into the prepared dish and level the surface with the spatula. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Important! Do not open the oven in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to bake evenly.

6. Testing for doneness: After an hour, use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Chef's tip

To enhance the flavors, you can add a few drops of vanilla or almond essence to the dough. Also, instead of raisins, you can experiment with dried cranberries or apricots, which will add a unique taste.

Nutritional benefits

The Nistissimo cake is an excellent choice for those looking to avoid dairy and eggs. Olive oil is a healthy source of fats, and brown sugar adds a note of caramelization, having a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar. The whole wheat flour used can provide additional fiber, making it a good choice for digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower or canola oil, but olive oil offers a more complex and healthy flavor.

2. Is it possible to substitute the flour?
Yes, for a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or rice flour, but the texture and taste may change.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a week. You can freeze the cake to keep it longer.

Delicious variations

- Nut and chocolate cake: Add some dark chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
- Nistissimo with spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a more intense aroma.

Serving recommendations

Serve the Nistissimo cake alongside a cup of fruit tea, coffee, or even a fresh fruit smoothie. It's a perfect dessert for a gathering with friends or to be enjoyed with family.

The Nistissimo cake is more than just a sweet treat; it's an experience full of memories and traditions. Enjoy every slice and let yourself be carried away by its enticing aromas!

 Ingredients: 3 and a half cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 cup of brown sugar (because it's healthier, some say, but the truth is it doesn't sweeten very much), 1 cup of raisins, which can be replaced with 2 sliced bananas (we prefer bananas), 1 cup of unsalted but roasted nuts, chopped finely or walnuts, pistachios, etc., 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 and a half cups of orange juice (freshly squeezed or from a box, but non-carbonated), 3/4 cup of olive oil.

 Tags:  cake oranges post without butter nuts hazelnuts raisins