Prepare A Unique Cashew Shape Cake For Baking Fun

Cakes don't need to be square or round always. Cashew-shaped cake is the next big thing in innovation for creative bakers wanting to change their baking routine. Because, just as it's a pleasure to bake such a cake, so it is to devour it, thanks to nutty allure of cashews and the thrill of baking itself.

Apart from its pleasing aesthetics, its characteristic cashew shape gives your dessert an exciting touch. Perfect for parties, reunions with loved ones, or just to start a conversation in a party, you can top it all off with the flavor of sponge, icing, and toppings to make it your own version. Let's go into some detail on how to prepare this fantastic cake, beginning with the most perfect sponge for the making of that very easily recognizable cashew shape.

Recipe of Sponge

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely ground cashews

Method:

• Grease a small-sized baking pan and preheat oven at 180°C.
• Mix in all the dry ingredients, which include flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder, in a bowl.
• Beat sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.
• Begin incorporating eggs using a spatula.
• Add the vanilla essence and mix thoroughly.
• Add ground cashews to the wet mixture after slowly adding the dry ingredients with alternating motions of the milk.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Let it cool completely before you shape or frost it.

How to Give Cashew Shape

There is some imagination as well as accuracy required in creating the typical cashew form. Once the sponge cake has cooled down, you can cut them into serving pieces using a sharp knife. The cashew shape can be roughly outlined with a toothpick or knife. Trim excess cake by making cuts around the outline. Use these pieces if the cake needs repair or details. Smooth the edges with a knife so that it looks seamless.

Tip: Chill the sponge in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before cutting for clean and easy cuts.

Sponge Flavours to Try

Vanilla Cashew

An elegant take on vanilla with the added crunch of crushed cashews. Ideal for delicate, decadent tastes.

Cashew Chocolate

For a decadent chocolate sponge, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Nothing beats a cashew with some chocolate!

Cashew Lemon

Incorporate 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a revitalizing burst of citrus flavor. This taste is perfect for outdoor parties in the summer.

Cashew Coffee

A wonderful mocha flavor can be added to it by mixing a teaspoon of instant coffee with the milk before incorporating it into the mixture.

Cashews with Cardamom

Let it be flavored with half a teaspoon of ground cardamom for a modern variation of traditional Indian flavors.

Various Frosting Flavors

Buttercream Frosting: The nutty sponge pairs so well with the traditional buttercream that has the flavor of vanilla.

Chocolate Ganache: Top it with a shiny layer of chocolate ganache and it will look absolutely stunning in its cashew shape.

Cream Cheese Frosting: This cashew cake has the perfect antidote to its rich inside in the form of a tart cream cheese topping.

Lemon Sweetener: It's both tart and sparkly due to a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Toppings to Try

Half-Roasted Cashews: Scatter roasted cashew halves over top for a crunchy, nutty topping.

White Chocolate Chips: Scatter some white chocolate chips over the top to make it look prettier and yummier.

Fruit slices: Heap on sliced strawberries, kiwis, or blueberries for a sweet and healthy topping.

Desiccated Coconut: Add some tropical flair and texture with desiccated coconut.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Before assembling the sponge, let it cool.Freezing the sponge just a bit will help it to cut much easier and not crumble as easily.
• A serrated knife ensures a cleaner cut when cutting the cashew shape.
• Add a thin layer of frosting to set in crumbs before adding a finished frosting for a smooth finish.
• Ensure that your sponge, frosting, and toppings complement each other for a balanced taste.

How to Store

Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If frosted, store it in the refrigerator to keep the freshness of the frosting. For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted sponge in cling film and freeze up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, apply fresh frosting, and add toppings as desired.