Goji and cranberry cake

Goji and Cranberry Cake: A Quick and Delicious Treat

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

If you too are facing the endless craving of little ones for cakes, you are not alone! This goji and cranberry cake is the perfect solution: simple, quick, and with an unmatched taste. It is a recipe that brings together dried fruits with a fluffy texture, ideal for satisfying the sweet tooth of your loved ones. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

A Brief History of Fruit Cakes

Fruit cakes have been an essential part of traditional cuisine around the world, often prepared for holidays or family gatherings. Dried fruits, such as goji and cranberry, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, adding a health boost to your dessert. Goji, known for its antioxidant properties, and cranberry, with its tart flavor, blend perfectly to create a cake that is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 large eggs
- 4 heaping tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 5 heaping tablespoons of wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably sunflower oil or coconut oil for a more exotic taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dried goji berries
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Necessary Tools

- A large mixing bowl
- A mixer (or a whisk for a manual workout)
- A spatula
- A conical baking pan (base = 10 cm, top = 19 cm) or a standard baking tray
- Baking paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. It is important to have the oven ready to ensure even baking.

2. Beat the eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and the 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Use the mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar dissolves completely. This will give your cake an airy texture.

3. Add the dry ingredients: In the bowl, add the 5 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Gently mix with the spatula, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the oil and continue mixing until smooth.

4. Incorporate the dried fruits: Now is the time to add the dehydrated fruits. Add the 1 tablespoon of goji and 1 tablespoon of cranberry, mixing gently to evenly distribute them in the batter.

5. Prepare the baking pan: Line the pan with baking paper to prevent sticking. Carefully pour the batter into the pan, leveling the surface with a spatula.

6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is essential not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to avoid temperature changes.

7. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and cut it into servings.

Practical Tips

- Fruit variations: If you don’t have goji or cranberry, you can experiment with other dried fruits, such as raisins, dried apricots, or even chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Flavor enhancements: Instead of vanilla extract, you can use almond extract for a different and interesting taste.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a cappuccino. You can also serve it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast between sweet and tart.

Nutritional Benefits

The goji and cranberry cake is not just a treat, but also a healthier choice. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, positively impacting the immune system. Cranberries, on the other hand, are known for their urinary health benefits and vitamin C content. Thus, this cake is not just a pleasure but also a source of essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but make sure to adjust the liquid amounts in the recipe.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to keep it longer.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or mashed banana instead of eggs, but the texture will be different.

4. What other recipes can I try?
You can try recipes for muffins with goji and cranberry or a fruit tart to vary your dessert menu.

In conclusion, this goji and cranberry cake is perfect for satisfying the cravings of little ones, but also for enjoying a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dessert. I invite you to try it and share this experience with your family! Enjoy!