Cocoa and candied fruit cake – a delicious recipe to use up leftover egg whites
If you have ever faced leftover egg whites after making a sweet bread or another delicacy, this recipe for cocoa and candied fruit cake is the perfect solution. It is a simple dessert, yet full of flavor, that will bring joy to your table. It is also a wonderful way to avoid food waste by transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat. Here’s how you can prepare it!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 8 egg whites
- 2 whole eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of orange juice
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 13 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange
- Candied fruits (e.g., cherries, apricots, or raisins)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Necessary utensils
- 2 large bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 2 loaf pans (or one large pan)
- Pastry brush (for greasing the pans)
- Cooling rack
A brief history of the recipe
The cake is a traditional dessert found in many cultures, usually served on special occasions or on weekends when the family gathers around the lovingly prepared table. This cocoa and candied fruit variant adds a touch of freshness and flavor, making it an ideal choice to impress guests or satisfy the sweet cravings of loved ones.
Step by step for a perfect cake
Step 1: Separating the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl you put the egg whites in is clean and dry; otherwise, they won’t whip well.
Step 2: Whipping the egg whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use the mixer on high speed to whip them until frothy, then gradually add the sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm consistency, similar to that of thick cream.
Step 3: Adding wet ingredients
Add the yolks, oil, orange juice, and zest to the bowl with the egg whites. Mix on low speed to integrate the ingredients.
Step 4: Sifting the flour
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Adding the flour this way will prevent lumps from forming and ensure a fine texture for the cake.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Set aside a few tablespoons of batter to mix with cocoa later.
Step 6: Preparing the pans
Grease the two loaf pans with oil and dust them with flour to prevent sticking. This step is essential to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Step 7: Adding cocoa
Mix the reserved batter with cocoa until homogeneous. This will create a beautiful marbled pattern in the cake.
Step 8: Pouring the batter into the pans
Pour the white batter into the two pans, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, carefully pour the cocoa batter in the center of each pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the candied fruits into the batter so they don’t float to the surface.
Step 9: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pans inside. Bake the cakes for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden and passing the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean).
Step 10: Cooling and decorating
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, take them out and let them cool completely on a rack. When completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Useful tips
- Fresh fruit variant: You can replace the candied fruits with fresh fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fresher taste.
- Adding nuts: If you like nuts, add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Storing the cake: The cake keeps well in an airtight container for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use only egg whites?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover egg whites from other dishes. You can also adjust the sugar amount according to your preferences.
2. How can I check if the cake is baked?
Use a toothpick: if it comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake, it is ready.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature.
Serving
Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee for a moment of indulgence. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This cocoa and candied fruit cake will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!
If you have ever faced leftover egg whites after making a sweet bread or another delicacy, this recipe for cocoa and candied fruit cake is the perfect solution. It is a simple dessert, yet full of flavor, that will bring joy to your table. It is also a wonderful way to avoid food waste by transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat. Here’s how you can prepare it!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 8 egg whites
- 2 whole eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of orange juice
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 13 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one orange
- Candied fruits (e.g., cherries, apricots, or raisins)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Necessary utensils
- 2 large bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 2 loaf pans (or one large pan)
- Pastry brush (for greasing the pans)
- Cooling rack
A brief history of the recipe
The cake is a traditional dessert found in many cultures, usually served on special occasions or on weekends when the family gathers around the lovingly prepared table. This cocoa and candied fruit variant adds a touch of freshness and flavor, making it an ideal choice to impress guests or satisfy the sweet cravings of loved ones.
Step by step for a perfect cake
Step 1: Separating the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl you put the egg whites in is clean and dry; otherwise, they won’t whip well.
Step 2: Whipping the egg whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use the mixer on high speed to whip them until frothy, then gradually add the sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm consistency, similar to that of thick cream.
Step 3: Adding wet ingredients
Add the yolks, oil, orange juice, and zest to the bowl with the egg whites. Mix on low speed to integrate the ingredients.
Step 4: Sifting the flour
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Adding the flour this way will prevent lumps from forming and ensure a fine texture for the cake.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Set aside a few tablespoons of batter to mix with cocoa later.
Step 6: Preparing the pans
Grease the two loaf pans with oil and dust them with flour to prevent sticking. This step is essential to ensure easy removal of the cake.
Step 7: Adding cocoa
Mix the reserved batter with cocoa until homogeneous. This will create a beautiful marbled pattern in the cake.
Step 8: Pouring the batter into the pans
Pour the white batter into the two pans, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, carefully pour the cocoa batter in the center of each pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the candied fruits into the batter so they don’t float to the surface.
Step 9: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pans inside. Bake the cakes for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden and passing the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean).
Step 10: Cooling and decorating
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, take them out and let them cool completely on a rack. When completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Useful tips
- Fresh fruit variant: You can replace the candied fruits with fresh fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fresher taste.
- Adding nuts: If you like nuts, add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Storing the cake: The cake keeps well in an airtight container for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use only egg whites?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover egg whites from other dishes. You can also adjust the sugar amount according to your preferences.
2. How can I check if the cake is baked?
Use a toothpick: if it comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake, it is ready.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature.
Serving
Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee for a moment of indulgence. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! This cocoa and candied fruit cake will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!