Quick and economical cake

Quick and Economical Cake

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for a quick and economical cake, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This soft and aromatic cake is easy to make, with simple ingredients that you surely have in your pantry. Over the years, cake has been a popular choice in many culinary cultures due to its versatility and simple preparation method. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1/2 cup milk (you can also use plant milk for a vegan option)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
- rum extract (about 1 teaspoon)
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will contribute to a better texture of the cake. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. This will help achieve a fluffy texture. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and keep the yolks in another bowl.

3. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with an electric mixer until they form a foam. It is essential to achieve a firm foam, which will give the cake an airy structure.

4. Adding the yolks: To the beaten egg whites, add the yolks one at a time, continuing to mix. You will notice how the mixture becomes creamier and shinier. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter.

5. Sugar and oil: Add the brown sugar and continue to mix until it dissolves completely. Brown sugar will add a caramel note to the cake and make it moister. The next step is to add the oil and milk, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

6. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, homogenizing well with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. I advise you not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.

7. Cocoa: Now, take a few tablespoons of the resulting mixture and mix them with the cocoa powder in a separate bowl. This cocoa mixture will create a marbled effect on the cake.

8. Preparing the pan: Grease a 24 cm round pan with oil and flour. This is a crucial step to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Pour the white mixture into the pan and then add the cocoa mixture on top. Use a fork to 'draw' lightly on the surface of the batter, creating an artistic effect.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to avoid letting the warm air escape. When the time is almost up, do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Cooling and serving: After the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can serve it plain or with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for an extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- You can add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- If you like chocolate, replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate cake.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 210 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar? Yes, but the taste will be slightly different; brown sugar adds a caramel note.
- How can I make the cake healthier? Replace some of the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fats.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

This quick and economical cake is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to bring the family together around the table. Enjoy it with a warm tea or a glass of milk for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of oil, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 cups of flour, 1 packet of baking powder, vanilla and rum essence, a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of cocoa.