Sponge cake

Cocoa and Milk Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe for a delicious dessert, you have come to the right place! This moist and flavorful cake, enriched with cocoa, is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and I will guide you step by step in this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sugar (for a sweeter taste, you can use cane sugar)
- 1 cup oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 2 cups flour (type 000 flour is best for a fluffy cake)
- 6 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (you can also use natural vanilla for extra flavor)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh taste)
- Vanilla or rum essence, to taste
- 1 packet baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for good rising)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa (for a cake with an intense chocolate flavor)

Recipe History

The cake is a classic, delicious dessert that has accompanied many joyful moments over the decades. From holiday meals to everyday snacks, the cake is a symbol of culinary tradition, offering a perfect combination of flavor and texture. This recipe combines simple preparation techniques with basic ingredients, resulting in an accessible yet refined dessert.

Preparation

1. Preparing the milk: Start by heating the milk over medium heat in a saucepan. Add one cup of sugar and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. It is important not to bring the milk to a boil, just heat it enough to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.

2. Separating the eggs: While the milk cools, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the egg whites to achieve a perfect foam.

3. Beating the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Gradually add one cup of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy texture for the cake.

4. Mixing the yolks: In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, vanilla sugar, grated lemon zest, and chosen essence. Add the baking powder dissolved in a little vinegar (this will activate the leavening agent) and mix well.

5. Combining the ingredients: Pour the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula so as not to lose volume. Add the cooled milk and mix again. Finally, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently until well combined.

6. Preparing the cocoa mixture: Take a small part of the cake mixture and mix it with the 4 tablespoons of cocoa. This will become the base for creating a marbled effect, but you can also choose to add cocoa to the entire mixture if you prefer a more intensely flavored cake.

7. Baking: Grease and flour two cake pans (this will prevent sticking) and divide the mixture between the two pans. Add the cocoa mixture on top, using a fork to create a marbled effect. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cakes for 40-50 minutes. Check if they are done using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Serving: Once the cakes have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a perfect indulgence moment.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best results. Room temperature eggs beat better than cold ones.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding nuts, almonds, or dried fruits to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap for a few days. You can freeze it and thaw it later for moments when you crave something sweet.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein from the eggs, and healthy fats from the oil, while cocoa adds antioxidants. However, given the sugar content, consumption should be moderate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier cake. It will have a denser texture.

2. How can I prevent the cake from being dry? Make sure not to overbake the cake, and the moisture from the milk will help keep it moist.

3. What can I do if I don’t have cocoa? You can opt for melted chocolate or leave it plain, perhaps adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.

This cocoa and milk cake is not just a dessert but also an opportunity to gather the family around the table, sharing moments of joy and tradition. So, put on your apron, and let’s cook together! Enjoy!