Vanilla Dry Cake: A Timeless Delight with a Flavorful Twist

When it comes to baking delicious cakes, nothing can top an indulgent slice of vanilla cake. Its subtle sweetness and light, airy texture make it a favorite among dessert lovers. A classic Vanilla Cake continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions. Adding a twist to it, only helps in enhancing its flavor. This delightful vanilla dry cake pairs the familiar warmth of vanilla with aromatic spices and zesty lemon, resulting in a unique cake that’s slightly drier, making it perfect for a tea-time snack.

Ingredients

To create this delicious cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 250 gm all-purpose flour
• 200 gm granulated sugar:
• 100 gm unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 150 ml milk
• 10 gm baking powder
• 10 ml vanilla extract
• zest of 1 lemon
• 2 gm ground nutmeg
• 2 gm salt

For the Spice Infusion:

• 2 gm cinnamon powder
• 1 gm cardamom powder
• 50 ml honey or maple syrup (for drizzling, optional)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Recipe Procedure

In order to make the perfect cake, you need to carefully follow the steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready first. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease your pan with butter. Greasing the cake pan and lining the bottom with parchment paper ensures easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (250 gm), baking powder (10 gm), salt (2 gm), cinnamon powder (2 gm), cardamom powder (1 gm), and ground nutmeg (2 gm). Sifting helps to aerate the flour, making for a lighter cake. This is as simple as baking a Chocolate Sponge Cake, with only a few differences.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter (100 gm) and granulated sugar (200 gm) together until light and fluffy, about three to four minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake. The mixture needs to be light and fluffy, but you can’t overmix.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs (3 large) one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract (10 ml) and the lemon zest (5 gm). The zest not only adds a fragrant aroma but also a burst of freshness to the cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk (150 ml). Start with the flour mixture, then add some milk, and repeat until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter as smooth as a Chocolate Mousse, but overworking can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling process is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 8: Add the Final Touch

Once cooled, you can enjoy your vanilla dry cake as is or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup (50 ml) on top for a touch of sweetness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can also enhance the visual appeal.

Pairing Suggestions

The vanilla dry cake is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings:

• Fruits: Fresh berries or citrus slices provide a refreshing contrast. You can also garnish it with Chocolate Covered Strawberries, to give that contrast in flavor that tastes divine.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture, and goes perfectly with the dry cake.
• Ice cream: Vanilla or lemon ice cream can create a delightful dessert experience, by combining the softness of the cake with the cool and creamy ice cream.