With all the battle desserts can take up in making things go right, don't they? Be it a celebration, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or just craving something sweet, a great dessert will sure change your mood right away. So, imagine the creamy cashew with the softness of a homemade cake. Irresistible, isn't it?
Cakes are always anybody's cup of tea, and when you put in the nutty richness of cashews, there's nothing left but an utterly irresistible treat. Cashew nut cake just exemplifies buttery cashew goodness and soft, moist cake texture. Whatever the occasion, this cake is guaranteed to impress on its own.
Even better is the versatility it packs. You can have it just plain, warm, and comforting as a dessert or frost and top it up to make a showstopper for parties. And since cashews form one of the staples in most Indian households, this recipe will sound indulgently familiar. Let's get into the details and bake!
Ingredients
1 cup cashews, finely ground into a powder
1 ½cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter, softened
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease a cake tin. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Beat the butter and sugar well until it is creamy, add eggs and mix well. Add the vanilla extract and mix it in. Gradually add dry ingredients along with milk in parts, until the batter is smooth. Fold the ground cashews gently. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 30-35 min or when the inserted toothpick in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool before serving or frosting.
For a rich frosting, whip softened butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract; beat until smooth. For the nutty version, add in 2-3 tablespoons of finely ground cashews. Spread even out on a cooled cake or pipe on the cake for added flair.
For a creamier alternative, try making a cashew glaze. Blend soaked cashews with honey and a dash of milk for a rich topping. The frosting pairs well with the nutty taste of the cake.
Chopped Cashews
For added crunch and nutty flavor, simply scatter roasted and salted cashews over your frosted cake. It's that simple, yet it is just amazing in every bite.
White Chocolate Shavings
Try matching white chocolate with the nutty richness of cashew cake. Grate them on top of the frosting for a delicate sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle
Add a good drizzle of rich caramel for a luxurious nutty, buttery, sugary goodness. This is best prepared for Christmas and other similar celebrations.
Dried Fruits
Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for good chewy texture and a slight sweetness that will balance the richness of the cake.
Edible Gold or Silver Leaf
For an added sense of grandeur, especially when presented during special occasions, add edible gold or silver leaf to your cake. It gives the cake a festive, royal feel!
To ensure freshness with your Cashew Nut Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In cases where it's extremely warm or the cake is frosted, keep it in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator then frost or serve as desired.
The cake is brilliant in its own, if that is not enough, serve it with a hot drink. Masala chai would go in with a perfect Indian touch, or if you would prefer a bolder contrast, a strong espresso would be great. A glass of cold milk is another simple comfort option. You could try herbal teas like chamomile or mint if you need something a little lighter.
When the cake is frosted, it's quite rich in nature and sets best to go well with light accompaniments. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would most assuredly strike down the richness of the frosting. And for the fancy cakes, a dollop of whipped cream and honey drizzle would just add to that elegant touch. And of course, a glass of sparkling water or light fruity cocktail can really complement the cake.
This cashew nut cake, rich and nutty is perfect for birthdays or simply as a cozy family dessert. It can be the simplest, do-it-your-style frosting with toppings and pairings or the elaborate version that fits your preference. So, grab your apron and try out this nutty surprise!