Citrus Cake

Marble Cake with Candied Fruits: A Refreshing Delight

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10

I invite you to discover a recipe for marble cake with candied fruits, one of those delights that bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also refreshing, perfect for warm days or to add a touch of freshness to any meal. Browse through the recipe, follow the steps, and enjoy a dessert with a citrus flavor that combines a fluffy texture with the sweet-sour taste of candied fruits.

A Touch of History

Over time, cakes have been a symbol of hospitality and joy, served at special events or during moments of relaxation with loved ones. Whether it's a simple cake recipe or one with various flavors and ingredients, this dessert has managed to win many hearts. With a history dating back hundreds of years, cakes have evolved, adapting to the tastes and available ingredients in each culture. This marble cake with candied fruits is a modern variant but full of tradition.

Necessary Ingredients

- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 500 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 300 ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 50 g candied citrus fruits, diced
- a pinch of salt
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- yellow food coloring (optional, for a pleasant appearance)

Step by Step: Preparing the Marble Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure that your cake bakes evenly.

2. Prepare the pans: Take two cake pans and line them with baking paper. This will prevent the batter from sticking and make cleaning much easier.

3. Mix the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter at room temperature. Use a mixer to beat it together with 200 g of sugar and the two packets of vanilla sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is important as the incorporated air will make the cake light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs: Start adding the eggs, one at a time, mixing continuously after each addition. Make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.

5. Integrate the dry ingredients and milk: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until you obtain a uniform and thick batter. Don't worry if the batter seems denser; this is normal.

6. Add the candied fruits: Incorporate the candied citrus fruits into the batter, mixing gently to distribute them evenly. They will bring a touch of freshness and a contrast of texture.

7. Divide the batter: Divide 3/4 of the batter into the two prepared pans. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed for optimal baking.

8. Create the marbled effect: In the remaining batter, add a teaspoon of yellow food coloring and mix well. Then, pour this colored batter into the two pans, gently swirling with a fork to achieve a marbled effect. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; each cake will have a unique look!

9. Bake the cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Check if they are baked using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready!

10. Cooling and serving: Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pans, then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This marble cake with candied fruits can be enjoyed plain, but you can add an extra note of flavor by serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweet cream. You can also try adding some chopped nuts to the batter for an extra crunch.

If you don’t have candied citrus fruits, feel free to substitute with other candied fruits or chocolate for a delicious variation of the dessert. And if you want to bring a chocolate flavor, you can replace the yellow food coloring with cocoa, resulting in a chocolate marble cake.

Nutritional Information

This recipe for marble cake with candied fruits offers approximately 250 calories per serving. It is a good source of carbohydrates, as well as healthy fats from the butter. By adding candied fruits, you get a supply of vitamins and fiber, thus adding extra nutrients to your dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other candied fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with various candied fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or candied cherries.

- How long does the cake last?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

- Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze it in individual portions, and when you want to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature.

In conclusion, this marble cake with candied fruits is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to experiment and enjoy delicious flavors and textures. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it is a dessert that is sure to impress. Enjoy!