Quick Cake

Quick chocolate-glazed cake: a delicacy that's easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

This quick cake is ideal for those moments when you want to impress family or friends without spending too much time in the kitchen. With a delicious combination of simple ingredients, this recipe will yield an exceptionally tasty result, and the chocolate glaze will make each slice a true delight. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 1/4 cup of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor)
- 3 cups of water (make sure the water is at room temperature)
- 3 cups of flour (wheat flour is the most suitable)
- 4 tablespoons of jam (you can choose your favorite jam, berries work excellently)
- 1/2 cup of ground nuts (pecans or Brazil nuts are great for a unique taste)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa (good quality cocoa will enhance the chocolate flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt (helps balance the sweetness)

For the chocolate glaze:
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (can also be store-bought)
- Cherries (fresh or from a jar, for a delicious contrast)

The history of the quick cake

Quick cakes are a symbol of home cooking, often made in moments of hurry or when the craving for something sweet hits. Their origin is tied to the need to quickly satisfy a sweet tooth without sacrificing taste. This simple yet flavorful recipe blends tradition and modernity, being adaptable based on available ingredients.

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the batter
Start by preparing the ingredients. In a large bowl, first add the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa, baking powder, and ground nuts. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.

2. Adding wet ingredients
In the same bowl, add the water and jam. Use a spatula or whisk to mix well, ensuring the jam is fully incorporated. Finally, add the oil and mix again until the batter becomes smooth.

3. Baking the cake
Prepare a baking tray (about 20x30 cm) by greasing it with a little oil and dusting it with flour. Pour the batter into the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Preparing the chocolate glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, add the sugar and water, then place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the cocoa and margarine, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Don't worry if the glaze doesn't have a perfect consistency at first; it will firm up on the cake.

5. Finishing the cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before covering it with the chocolate glaze. Ensure the glaze is warm when you apply it for even spreading. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.

Serving and suggestions

The cake is served cut into squares, topped with whipped cream and cherries, which add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the cake. You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for an extra fruity note.

Interesting variations

- Nut and chocolate cake: Replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a different texture.
- Fruit cake: Add diced banana or apple to the batter for natural flavor and extra moisture.
- Vegan cake: Use coconut oil instead of margarine and replace the jam with apple puree.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the oil with butter?
Yes, you can replace the oil with melted butter, but you'll need to adjust the amount (usually, 1/4 cup of butter is equivalent to 1/4 cup of oil).

2. What can I use instead of jam?
You can use fruit preserves or even fruit puree to maintain the cake's moisture.

3. How can I store the cake?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake, cut into squares, in a sealed container.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains ingredients that offer a range of nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and cocoa has antioxidant properties. Additionally, the jam can add vitamins from fruit, while whole wheat flour can be used for extra fiber.

Calories

A serving of cake contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a perfect option for a little sweet treat during the day.

In conclusion, this quick chocolate-glazed cake is not only easy to prepare but also full of creative possibilities. Whether you serve it as a dessert or as a snack, each slice will be an explosion of flavor. So, let's put on our aprons and enjoy cooking!