Fluffy tray cake

Fluffy Cocoa Cake with Orange Flavor

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert recipe, you have come to the right place! This fluffy cake combines the intense flavor of cocoa with the freshness of orange zest, creating an unmistakable taste. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or a glass of milk, this cake will surely become a favorite recipe in your home.

History and Tradition

The cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being popular over the decades in many cultures. It has evolved over time, adapting to available tastes and ingredients. Today, every housewife has her own version, and the combination of cocoa and orange zest adds a touch of originality and refinement.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 4 eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 100 ml milk (preferably whole for a richer texture)
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 300 g flour (for a fluffy cake, use wheat flour type 650)
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa (choose quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- Grated zest of one orange (make sure it is well washed)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration, optional)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base Dough
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks and place the egg whites in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer and beat the egg whites until you obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until a glossy meringue forms.

2. Incorporating the Yolks
Add one yolk at a time, mixing gently after each addition. It is important not to stir the mixture too much to keep the air in the egg whites.

3. Adding Moist Ingredients
Pour the milk over the mixture, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. This step will add extra moisture to your cake.

4. Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently. This step is essential to avoid lumps.

5. Adding Flavors
Once you have a homogeneous dough, add the grated orange zest and mix well to give it that fresh and aromatic taste.

6. Preparing the Baking Pan
Line a round baking pan with a diameter of 30 cm with parchment paper. Pour about 3/4 of the white batter into the pan.

7. Creating the Marbled Effect
In the remaining batter, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well. Using a spoon, pour the cocoa mixture in spots over the white batter to create a marbled effect.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cake passes the toothpick test. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it means it is perfectly baked.

9. Serving
After it has cooled slightly, remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and add a touch of sweetness.

Practical Tips

- To achieve an extremely fluffy cake, ensure that the egg whites are beaten correctly. If you don't have a mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will require more effort.
- Choose high-quality cocoa; this will influence the final taste of the dessert.
- You can experiment with other flavors by adding a splash of vanilla or almond essence.
- If you want to personalize the recipe, you can replace the orange zest with lemon zest or even with cinnamon flavors for a cake with a different taste.

Delicious Combinations

This fluffy cake pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or a creamy cappuccino. You can also serve the cake with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruits for a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional Values

One serving of this cake has approximately 250 calories, providing a quick source of energy thanks to the carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Additionally, the eggs bring valuable proteins, while the orange zest offers antioxidants and vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why should I separate the egg whites from the yolks?
Separating the egg whites helps achieve a more airy texture, essential for a fluffy cake.

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
While you can experiment with whole wheat flour, it may alter the texture of the cake. White flour is recommended for optimal results.

- How can I keep the cake fresh?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

I wish you much success in making this fluffy and delicious cake! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort put in. Enjoy your meal!