Cake for CRIS. Happy Birthday!!!

Cake for Cristinica - Happy Birthday!

Welcome to the delicious world of cakes! Today, I will share a special recipe dedicated to celebrating a dear person, Cristinica. This cake is not just a sweet treat, but also a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and joy to those around you. With a moist texture and a unique aroma, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorites!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 100 g sugar (or 10 tablespoons of fructose)
- 100 ml oil
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 150 g flour
- 200 g ground nuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup grated carrot (approximately 150 g)

Helpful tips about ingredients:
- Sugar vs. Fructose: If you choose to use fructose, keep in mind that it is sweeter than sugar, so adjust the amount according to your taste. Fructose can also provide a lower glycemic index.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil, such as sunflower or canola oil, so as not to influence the cake's flavor.
- Carrot: The carrot adds moisture and natural sweetness. Make sure to grate it finely so that it incorporates well into the batter.
- Nuts: You can use any type of nuts you prefer - pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, to vary the cake's flavor.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even cake. Measure each ingredient carefully to avoid mistakes.

2. Mix oil with sugar: In a large bowl, combine the oil with sugar (or fructose) and mix well with a whisk or spatula. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture. Try to get a homogeneous mixture without sugar crystals.

3. Add sparkling water: Continue mixing and gradually add the sparkling water. This will add a note of effervescence and moisture to your cake.

4. Incorporate the carrot and flavors: Add the grated carrot, lemon zest, and cinnamon. These ingredients will give the cake a wonderful aroma and a vibrant color.

5. Sift the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step will help aerate the flour, giving the cake a fluffier texture.

6. Combine dry ingredients with wet ones: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition. Mix gently with a spatula until the ingredients are well integrated. Do not overmix, as the cake may become dense.

7. Add the nuts: Incorporate the ground nuts into the batter, keeping some to sprinkle on top of the cake before baking.

8. Prepare the pan: Grease a pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This step is crucial, especially when using a smaller pan, such as a toy kitchen one.

9. Pour the batter into the pan: Carefully pour the batter into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cooling: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Serving: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into squares and dust it with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance. If desired, you can prepare a chocolate sauce from 3 tablespoons of water, 200 g sugar (or 20 tablespoons of fructose), 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa, and 50 g margarine. Boil all ingredients until thickened and use it as a delicious topping.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it at a party alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Feel free to personalize it with different flavors or additions, such as raisins or roasted nuts!

Nutritional benefits:
The carrot provides a good amount of vitamin A, essential for eye and skin health. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein. Using fructose instead of sugar can help maintain lower blood sugar levels, especially for those watching their diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of sweeteners? Yes, you can experiment with honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount based on the desired sweetness.
2. What other variations can I try? Replace the carrot with baked pumpkin or grated zucchini for a different version. You can also add dark chocolate for a decadent taste.
3. How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or you can freeze individual portions for more celebrations.

I encourage you to try this simple cake recipe, perfect for all occasions, and share it with your loved ones. Happy Birthday, Cristinica! May this cake bring you many smiles and unforgettable moments with Klaus!