Quick cake

Quick Lemon and Cocoa Cake

Who doesn't love a fluffy and aromatic cake, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea? This quick cake recipe is ideal for those moments when unexpected guests arrive or simply when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. With a total preparation time of about 1 hour, this recipe will bring joy in every bite and will surely disappear quickly from the table!

Number of servings: 8-10

Total time: 1 hour

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

- 350 g flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 170 ml milk (or sparkling water)
- 70 ml oil (or melted butter)
- 1-2 eggs (depending on their size)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 tablespoon cocoa

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fluffier texture. If using butter, ensure it is completely melted and slightly cooled.

2. Mixing sugar with eggs: In a large bowl, add the sugar and eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to mix well until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. These steps are crucial as they help aerate the batter.

3. Adding flavors: Add the two packets of vanilla sugar, the grated lemon zest, and the rum essence. This mixture will give your cake a fresh and aromatic taste. Gently mix to combine the flavors.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sift the flour over the egg and sugar mixture and gently fold with a spatula. It is important not to overmix to avoid developing gluten and getting a denser cake.

5. Adding milk and oil: At this point, add the milk and oil (or melted butter). Continue mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can replace the milk with sparkling water.

6. Preparing the pan: Grease a round baking pan with a little oil or butter and cover the bottom with aluminum foil. This will help the cake release more easily after baking.

7. Creating a marbled effect: Take about a cup of the cake batter and add cocoa. Mix well to combine. Then, pour the white batter into the pan, followed by the cocoa mixture. Use a knife or a toothpick to draw lines through the batter to achieve a marbled effect.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the cake for about 45 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and a sweet taste.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with flavors by adding a few drops of almond essence or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- If you want a moister cake, you can replace part of the flour with yogurt or sour cream.
- This cake keeps well at room temperature but can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge to stay fresh.

Nutritional information:
This quick cake recipe offers a balance between carbohydrates and healthy fats, and the lemon zest adds a boost of vitamin C. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, making it an excellent choice for a sweet snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the cake will have a denser texture.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the sugar by up to 50 g without significantly affecting the recipe.
- What can I use instead of eggs? You can replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of mashed banana or yogurt for a vegan option.

Serving suggestions:
This quick cake pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or aromatic tea. You can add a handful of nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and nutrition. Additionally, a chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream on the side will make the dessert even more special.

So gather the ingredients and get ready to enjoy a quick and delicious cake that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!