Raisin cake

Capital Cake: The Taste of Childhood Encapsulated in Every Slice

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Welcome to the world of flavors and nostalgia! Today, I invite you to prepare a capital cake, a recipe that will not only remind you of the tastes of childhood but will make every slice a special occasion. This soft and moist cake is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, and if there are leftovers (though that's unlikely), it becomes even tastier the next day.

A Brief Story About the Capital Cake

The capital cake is a popular, easy-to-make recipe that has often been sold in grocery stores to be enjoyed during tea time. It is a dessert that is part of the culinary culture of many families, often prepared for special occasions or simply to indulge loved ones. Its buttery aroma and soft texture make it an irresistible dessert, and the addition of raisins gives it a touch of natural sweetness and a pleasant consistency.

Ingredients You Will Need

- 3 large eggs (or 4 smaller ones)
- 1 package of butter (200 g)
- 120 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 180 g black raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour for the raisins
- Water to soak the raisins

Practical Tips About Ingredients

- Eggs: Make sure they are at room temperature before using them. This helps achieve a lighter foam.
- Butter: Use quality butter to obtain a cake with a rich taste and fine texture. Melt it carefully until it turns golden brown, but do not let it burn.
- Raisins: Choose quality black raisins that have a soft texture. Soak them in warm water to rehydrate, so they don't dry out during baking.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 160 degrees C. It is essential to have the oven ready to ensure even baking.

2. Soak the raisins: Place the raisins in a bowl with water and let them soak for 2-3 hours. This step will ensure that the raisins become juicy and do not burn during baking.

3. Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it foam and take on a brownish hue, which will give the cake a fantastic nutty aroma. Once it has reached this color, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

4. Prepare the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you get a light and airy foam. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved in the mixture.

5. Sift the flour: In another bowl, add the salt to the flour and sift it twice. This process will aerate the flour and contribute to obtaining a fine texture for the cake.

6. Prepare the raisins: Drain the raisins from the water and add a tablespoon of flour, gently mixing to coat them evenly. This will prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

7. Combine the ingredients: Add the raisins to the egg and sugar mixture, mixing gently. Then, gradually incorporate the flour using a spatula, with up-and-down motions. Finally, add the melted butter, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.

8. Baking: Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean).

9. Cooling: After the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

10. Enjoy: Although it is delicious as soon as it cools, I encourage you to wait at least a day before serving it. The flavors will intensify, and the texture will become even more pleasant.

Serving Suggestions

The capital cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but it can also be served with a warm chocolate sauce or a dollop of cream. If you want to add a bit of freshness, serve it with some slices of fresh fruit.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the raisins with chopped nuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips. Additionally, for a hint of flavor, add a little vanilla extract or lemon zest to the egg mixture.

Nutritional Information

This cake recipe has approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a satisfying but moderate choice. The raisins provide nutritional benefits such as fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, making this dessert not just a treat but also a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace some of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent drying out. If you wish, you can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cake an even richer flavor.

So now that you have all the necessary information, I encourage you to embark on the adventure of cooking this capital cake! Every bite will bring a smile to your face and to your loved ones. Enjoy!