Light Cake

Light Cake – A Quick and Delicious Delight

In search of a cake that combines speed with flavor, I discovered the Light Cake. This simple yet characterful recipe was passed down by my friend Mirela, who prepares it with great love. Every time I make this cake, I am reminded of the moments spent together over coffee, savoring this moist and aromatic treat. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups of sugar (about 300 g)
- ¾ cup of milk (about 180 ml)
- ¾ cup of oil (about 180 ml)
- 3 cups of flour (about 375 g)
- 2 packets of baking ammonia
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Margarine for greasing the pan

For the syrup and glaze:
- 2 cups of water (about 500 ml) + 3 tablespoons
- 1 cup + 4 tablespoons of sugar (about 300 g)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa (about 10 g) + 2 tablespoons
- 50 g of butter
- 2 essences of rum
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Ground nuts and/or coconut for decoration

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base
Start by preheating the oven to 150°C (300°F). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a whisk or mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

Gradually add the milk and oil, continuing to mix. It’s essential to incorporate the ingredients gradually to achieve a fine texture.

Sift the flour and begin to add it to the mixture, sprinkling it in while constantly mixing with the whisk to prevent lumps from forming.

Quench the baking ammonia with the lemon juice and add it to the mixture, along with the vanilla sugar. This will make the cake fluffier and give it a pleasant aroma.

Grease a baking pan with margarine and pour the mixture into it. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the base with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s done!

2. Preparing the Syrup
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup + 4 tablespoons of sugar with 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of cocoa. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

After the syrup has cooled, add the rum essences and mix well.

3. Assembling the Cake
Once the base has cooled, cut it into squares directly in the pan. This will facilitate syrup absorption. Use a spoon to pour the syrup over each square, ensuring that the entire cake is well-soaked.

4. Preparing the Glaze
For the glaze, in a saucepan, combine 7 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 3 tablespoons of water, and 50 g of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat until it reaches the first boil. After boiling, remove from heat and use a spoon to cover each square with the glaze.

For a delicious appearance, you can sprinkle ground nuts or coconut on top of the glaze, adding a crunchy note.

5. Finalizing
Let the cake sit for a few hours for the glaze to set. Then, carefully remove the squares onto a platter and serve them with a smile!

Practical Tips
- Baking ammonia: This is a leavening agent that helps achieve a fluffy base. Make sure to quench it well with lemon to activate its effect.
- Mixer-free option: You can prepare the base manually, without a mixer, by mixing with a whisk. It’s a pleasant and relaxing activity!
- Keeping it fresh: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days.

Delicious Combinations
To turn the cake into a special dessert, you can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or aromatic tea makes a perfect accompaniment for a moment of indulgence.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake contains protein from the eggs, carbohydrates from the sugar and flour, and healthy fats from the oil used. The ammonia aids digestion, while the addition of ground nuts provides omega-3 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole ingredients? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount.
- What other flavors can I add? You can experiment with vanilla or almond essences to vary the flavor.
- Is it possible to make the cake without sugar? There are sweetening alternatives that can be used, but the taste and texture may vary.

I conclude with an encouragement: don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe! Whether you choose to add your favorite ingredients or try variations, the Light Cake is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!