Fluffy cake

Fluffy Cake – A Family Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

Introduction

Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for fluffy cake that brings back memories of moments spent in my mother's kitchen. This cake is not just a simple dessert but a true story of home culinary tradition. With a fluffy texture and a perfectly balanced sweet taste, this cake can become the star of any meal. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack between meals, or on a special occasion, this cake will bring joy with every bite.

Necessary Ingredients

- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 1 packet of baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 100 g sugar (for a sweeter cake, you can use 150 g)
- 200 g flour
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa (optional, for a marbled effect)

Preparing the Fluffy Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help achieve a fluffier texture. Also, prepare a cake pan, which you can grease with oil and flour or line with baking paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Separating the Eggs

Separate the eggs into two large bowls. In one bowl, you will use only the yolks, and in the other, the egg whites.

Step 3: Preparing the Yolk Mixture

Add the salt, oil, and essences (vanilla and rum) to the yolks. Using a whisk or mixer, beat these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly creamy.

Step 4: Beating the Egg Whites

In the bowl with the egg whites, add the 4 tablespoons of water and start beating with a mixer. When the egg whites become frothy, gradually add the sugar. Continue mixing until you obtain a stiff, glossy meringue that forms firm peaks. This is a crucial step, as the egg white foam will provide the cake with the fluffiness it needs.

Step 5: Combining the Mixtures

Begin by gradually adding the egg white foam to the yolk mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold, from the bottom up, so as not to deflate the egg whites. This step is essential for achieving an airy cake.

Step 6: Adding the Flour and Baking Powder

Sift the flour together with the baking powder over the obtained mixture. Gently fold in, using up-and-down motions, until the flour is fully incorporated. It is important not to overmix, to maintain the air in the egg whites.

Step 7: Preparing the Cocoa Mixture (optional)

If you wish to add cocoa, take out 2-3 tablespoons from the final mixture and mix them with the cocoa. This will create a marbled effect, adding extra flavor.

Step 8: Baking the Cake

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, then add the cocoa mixture on top, using a fork to create a marbled pattern. Now, it's time to place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 9: Cooling and Serving

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.

Suggestions and Variations

To personalize this recipe, you can add lemon or orange zest for a fresh taste. Additionally, raisins or chocolate chips can add extra flavor. If you want to experiment with the texture, try replacing some of the flour with almond flour for a moist and aromatic cake.

Useful Tips

- Make sure not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking, to avoid compromising the texture.
- If you want a moister cake, use olive oil instead of sunflower oil.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional Values

A slice of fluffy cake (approximately 60 g) contains about 180 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and oil used. This cake provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be different, and the cake will be denser. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with a little white flour for a better result.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can replace wheat flour with a combination of gluten-free flours, such as rice flour, almond flour, or commercial gluten-free blends. Make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum.

3. What drinks pair well with the cake?
Fluffy cake pairs excellently with a cup of coffee or tea. Also, a glass of warm milk or cocoa is a delicious choice.

Conclusion

This fluffy cake is not just a dessert but also an opportunity to share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Regardless of the occasion, whether it's an ordinary day or a celebration, this cake will bring smiles and joy to every table. So, grab the ingredients and let's enjoy a delicious dessert together! Bon appétit!