Clementine Cake

Quick Clementine Dessert - Fluffy and Delicious Cake

Sometimes, culinary inspiration strikes at the most unexpected moments, and the night becomes the perfect stage to create something delicious. This clementine cake recipe is ideal for those evenings when you can’t fall asleep and choose to spend time in the kitchen. It’s a simple, quick, and truly tasty recipe that will fill your home with inviting aromas.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 eggs
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 400 g flour
- 350 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 300 g clementines (about 3-4 medium clementines)
- powdered sugar for decoration

Preparing the cake:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling the clementines. I recommend slicing them thinly for better integration into the batter. It’s good to dust them with 2 tablespoons of flour before adding them to the mixture; this will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan during baking.

2. Beat the eggs with the sugar: In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs together with 250 g of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy mixture, which will give the cake a light texture. When the mixture becomes frothy and light in color, it’s time to continue.

3. Add the wet ingredients: Start incorporating the warm milk and oil. The milk should be warm, not hot, to avoid cooking the eggs. Mix well until everything is homogenized.

4. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet composition, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s important not to overmix at this stage to avoid developing gluten in the flour, which could make the cake denser.

5. Incorporate the clementine slices: Once you have a homogeneous batter, add the clementine slices and gently mix to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

6. Prepare the baking pan: Line a 24x34 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the cake mixture into the tray, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

7. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and sweet taste.

Useful tips:

- Fruit variations: If you don’t have clementines on hand, you can substitute with other fruits, such as oranges, lemons, or even berries. Each variation will bring a unique note to your cake.
- Serving: This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
- Complementary drinks: A cup of citrus tea or a cold lemonade pairs perfectly with this cake, bringing a touch of freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This clementine cake offers a moderate portion of calories, making it a good choice for an occasional dessert. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on size. Clementines are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can the cake be made without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute, such as banana puree or yogurt, to achieve a vegan version.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, but you can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can I add nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or almonds will add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

This clementine cake is not just a quick dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of sunshine to your winter evenings. So put on your apron and let your imagination soar in the kitchen. Enjoy!