Grape Cake

Name: Grape Cake - Lacramioara M.
Ingredients: 225 ml milk 125 g melted butter 1 egg 250 g sugar juice from half a lemon 250 g flour 1 packet baking powder 1 vial vanilla essence 2 packets vanilla sugar a pinch of salt

Dessert - Grape Cake by Lacramioara M. - Recipia

Grape and Walnut Cake The first time I tried this cake was in the fall when I found more aromatic grapes at the market. Since then, I've made it a few times – it's not complicated, and I loved the fluffy texture with ripe grape berries mixed in. It takes a while to beat the eggs with the sugar, but the result is worth it. Quick info Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 30-40 minutes (depending on the oven) Number of servings: 12-15 squares, depending on the tray Difficulty: easy-medium Type: homemade fruit cake, seasonal Ingredients 225 ml milk 125 g melted butter 1 egg 250 g sugar juice of half a lemon 250 g flour 1 packet baking powder 1 vial vanilla essence 2 packets vanilla sugar 1 pinch of salt 400 g grape berries (white, red, or mix, according to preference) granulated sugar for dusting on top a handful of coarsely chopped walnuts oil for greasing the tray flour for dusting the tray Preparation method 1. Crack the egg into a large bowl, add a pinch of salt, and start beating it with a mixer for a few minutes. Gradually add the sugar in a rain-like manner and mix until it becomes a frothy, light-colored mixture. I mixed it for about 10 minutes at medium speed. 2. Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then pour the mixture over the egg and sugar mixture. Gently incorporate with a spatula, not with the mixer. 3. Then add the lemon juice, milk, and melted butter, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Use the wooden spatula to avoid losing the air incorporated at the beginning. 4. Add the vanilla sugar and vanilla essence. Mix briefly. 5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the grape berries in a baking tray for 8-10 minutes. The goal is just to steam them a little, not to cook them completely. After removing them, let them cool for a few minutes. 6. Grease a tray (about 24x30 cm) with oil and dust it with flour. 7. Pour the batter into the tray and level it gently with a spatula. 8. Place the warm grape berries on top of the batter, spaced apart. There’s no need to press them down. 9. Put the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes at 180°C. Check with a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. In some ovens, it may take up to 40 minutes. 10. Remove the tray and let the cake cool completely before taking it out. 11. Once cooled, sprinkle granulated sugar and coarsely chopped walnuts on top. 12. Cut into squares and serve. Why I make this recipe often It’s one of the simple cakes I can make quickly when I have more aromatic grapes. It’s good both warm and cold. It keeps well for a day or two. I like that it’s not fussy and doesn’t have complicated ingredients. Tips and variations Tips Grapes with small or medium berries are more suitable, as they don’t release too much juice when baked. The melted butter should cool for a few minutes before adding it to the batter. If you find the batter too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Use a smaller tray if you want the cake to be taller. Don’t skip the steaming step for the grapes; it helps with the final texture. Substitutions Milk can be replaced with a plant-based drink, but the texture will be slightly different. Instead of granulated sugar at the end, you can use powdered sugar or omit it. Nuts can be replaced with chopped hazelnuts or omitted entirely. Variations For a different taste, you can add lemon zest to the batter. It also works with other fruits with firmer skins (sour cherries, firm plums) if you don’t have grapes on hand. You can add raisins to the batter for an even denser version. Serving ideas It can be served plain, with coffee or tea. If you want, it goes well with a spoonful of cold yogurt or thicker sour cream. Frequently asked questions Can I use another type of fruit instead of grapes? Yes, it works with sour cherries or plums, provided they are firm and not too juicy. Adjust the baking time if the fruits are juicier. Is it necessary to steam the grapes in the oven beforehand? Yes, it helps prevent the fruits from releasing too much juice into the batter and gives a more pleasant texture after baking. Can I make the cake without nuts? Sure, the nuts on top are optional. The cake turns out well even without them. Can I double the recipe? Yes, if you have a larger tray or want more servings. Be sure to adjust the baking time; it may take a bit longer. Nutritional values Estimate for one serving (out of 15): about 220 kcal, 30 g carbohydrates, 9 g fats, 3 g proteins. The values are approximate and depend on the type of grapes and the amount of sugar added at the end. The cake has enough sugar, being a homemade dessert, and is not very low in calories. Storage and reheating It keeps well at room temperature, covered, for about 2 days. In the fridge, it may take on a denser texture. I do not recommend reheating in the microwave, but it can be left for a few minutes at room temperature if kept in the fridge. It’s best on the day it’s made or the next day.

Grape Cake

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