Sweet Polenta Cake

Sweet Polenta Cake – A Traditional Delicacy with a Story-like Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, sweet polenta cake revives warm and authentic memories. This simple and delicious recipe combines traditional ingredients with a soft and moist texture, making it perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. I am delighted to share with you how to prepare this cake that has already won many hearts.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 package of butter (approximately 200 grams), at room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of semolina
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of cornmeal (ideally from local production)
- 1 cup of coarsely ground cornmeal
- 100 grams of ground almonds
- 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- Sweetener (optional: replace with 1 cup of sugar if not using sweetener)
- Grated zest of one orange
- 100 grams of raisins
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- Lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of milk
- Quince from compote (or apples, if preferred)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by placing the raisins in a small bowl. Add a tablespoon of sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of water, and a few drops of rum or vanilla essence. Mix well and let them hydrate and absorb the flavors while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all types of flour, semolina, ground almonds, and salt. This combination will give the cake a unique texture and rich flavor.

3. Beating the butter: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar melts. This is a crucial step that will influence the final texture of the cake.

4. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until they become firm and fluffy. This step will add air and lightness to the cake.

5. Combining the wet ingredients: To the butter mixture, add the yolks, orange zest, vanilla essence, and sweetener if using. Mix well until homogeneous.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the butter mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air.

7. Adding the dry ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour mixture, then add the hydrated raisins. Finally, quench the baking soda with lemon juice and incorporate it into the batter.

8. Adjusting the consistency: Gradually add the milk, mixing until you achieve a consistency similar to that of a cake batter, which should be slightly more fluid.

9. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking dish or a yena dish with parchment paper and pour the mixture evenly. Arrange the drained quince slices on top of the cake.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This is not just an aesthetic matter but also an addition of sweetness that perfectly complements the flavor.

Serving suggestions: Sweet polenta cake can be served plain, but for an extra flavor boost, you can accompany it with cherry or sour cherry jam. This combination brings a delicious contrast between the sweetness of the cake and the acidity of the fruits.

Tips and variations:

- If you want an even more intense orange flavor, try adding a little orange juice to the batter.
- Instead of quince, you can experiment with apples, which are just as delicious and pair well with the cake's texture.
- Another trick is to add some chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is rich in fiber due to the whole wheat flour and semolina, while almonds provide healthy fats and protein. The orange zest adds not only flavor but also essential vitamins, while raisins are an excellent source of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the butter with another ingredient? Yes, for a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or vegan margarine.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well sealed in a container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using substitutes for eggs and butter, such as banana puree or soy yogurt.

With this sweet polenta cake, not only will you indulge your taste buds, but you will also bring a touch of tradition to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with your loved ones! Bon appétit!