Eccles cakes are a popular British pastry that originated in the town of Eccles in Greater Manchester. They are small, round cakes made of flaky pastry that is filled with a mixture of currants, sugar, and spices. Eccles cakes are usually served with a cup of tea or coffee and are best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
To make Eccles cakes, you will need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup of cold water
1/2 cup of currants
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
1 egg, beaten
Instructions
Follow these steps to make Eccles cakes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the cold water a little at a time and mix until the dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the currants, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough about 3 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the currant mixture in the center of each circle of dough.
Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg.
Bring the edges of the dough up and over the currant mixture to enclose it and pinch the edges together to seal.
Flip the cakes over and gently press them down to flatten them slightly.
Place the Eccles cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops of the cakes with the beaten egg.
Bake the Eccles cakes for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Eccles cakes are best enjoyed warm.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for one Eccles cake:
Calories: 245
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 52mg
Sodium: 154mg
Potassium: 89mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Vitamin A: 390IU
Calcium: 23mg
Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
Eccles cakes are a delicious British pastry that are easy to make at home. With their flaky pastry and sweet currant filling, they are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee. Give this Eccles cakes recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Small cakes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are perfect for a quick snack or as a dessert after a meal. In this blog post, we will share a recipe for small cakes that is easy to follow and yields delicious results. We will also provide information on the nutritional value of the small cakes.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup dried fruit
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Add Optional Add-Ins
Fold in any optional add-ins, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each one about 2/3 full.
Step 7: Bake the Small Cakes
Bake the small cakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the small cakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Small cakes are a sweet treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. Here is the nutritional information for one small cake:
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions
If you are looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, here are some substitutions you can make:
Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.
Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
Replace the milk with a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
Conclusion
Small cakes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed by anyone. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make your own small cakes at home in no time. Whether you enjoy them plain or with optional add-ins, these small cakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Remember to enjoy them in moderation and make any necessary substitutions to fit your dietary needs.
For those who are lactose intolerant or have decided to go dairy-free, it can be challenging to find desserts that don't contain any dairy products. However, with a few substitutions and modifications, it's possible to create delicious cakes that are completely dairy-free. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite dairy-free cake recipes that are easy to make and taste just as good as traditional cakes.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a dairy-free cake: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup dairy-free milk (such as almond, soy, or coconut milk)
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish - Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Here's how to make a dairy-free cake: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan by greasing it with oil or non-stick cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. 3. In a separate large bowl, mix together the oil, applesauce, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the dairy-free milk, and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it and transferring it to a wire rack. 7. Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar and decorate it with fresh fruit if desired.
Variations
You can also add different flavors or ingredients to your dairy-free cake to make it more interesting. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate cake: Replace 1/2 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to make a chocolate cake. - Lemon cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the batter for a tangy lemon cake. - Carrot cake: Add 1 cup of grated carrots and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter for a delicious carrot cake. - Spice cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm and spicy cake.
Nutrition
Here's the nutritional information for one serving (based on 12 servings per cake): - Calories: 215 - Total fat: 8g - Saturated fat: 1g - Cholesterol: 0mg - Sodium: 203mg - Total carbohydrates: 34g - Dietary fiber: 1g - Sugars: 18g - Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Dairy-free cakes can be just as delicious as traditional cakes, and they're a great alternative for those who can't or choose not to consume dairy products. With a few simple substitutions and modifications, you can make a cake that's both dairy-free and tasty. Give it a try and see how easy and delicious it can be!
Fairy cakes, also known as cupcakes, are a popular treat all around the world. These small, delicate cakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Butterfly fairy cakes are a fun and creative twist on classic fairy cakes. With a butterfly-shaped cutout on top, these cakes are perfect for spring or summer events. In this article, we'll provide a detailed recipe for butterfly fairy cakes, complete with ingredients, instructions, and nutrition information.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make butterfly fairy cakes: - 110g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened - 110g (1/2 cup) caster sugar - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 110g (1 cup) self-raising flour - 1-2 tbsp milk - 12 paper cupcake cases - Icing sugar, for dusting - Buttercream icing, for decorating - Food coloring, if desired
Follow these steps to make butterfly fairy cakes: 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 12-hole cupcake tin with paper cases. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. 3. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the mixture, beating well after each addition. 4. Stir in the vanilla extract. 5. Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and fold it into the mixture with a metal spoon. 6. Add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture has a soft dropping consistency. 7. Divide the mixture evenly between the paper cases, filling each one about two-thirds full. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. 9. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. 10. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the buttercream icing. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. 11. Gradually sift in the icing sugar, beating well after each addition. 12. Add the milk and beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. 13. Add food coloring, if desired, and mix well. 14. Once the cupcakes are cool, use a sharp knife to cut a small circle out of the center of each one. 15. Cut each circle in half to create two butterfly wings. 16. Fill the hole in each cupcake with a small amount of buttercream icing. 17. Place the two wings on top of the icing, creating a butterfly shape. 18. Dust the cupcakes with icing sugar, if desired. 19. Decorate the cupcakes with any remaining buttercream icing, using a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. 20. Serve and enjoy your delicious butterfly fairy cakes!
Nutrition Information
Here's the approximate nutrition information for one butterfly fairy cake: - Calories: 236 - Fat: 11g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 33g - Sugar: 24g - Protein: 2g - Fiber: 0g - Sodium: 61mg Please note that these values are only approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Chiffon cakes are one of the lightest and fluffiest cakes out there. They are made with egg whites, sugar, flour, and oil, making them lower in fat and calories than traditional butter cakes. Chiffon cakes are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to tea parties. In this article, we will be sharing our favorite chiffon cake recipe, along with some tips and tricks to make the perfect chiffon cake every time.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
6 large eggs, separated
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 1/2 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a 10-inch tube pan by greasing it with oil or cooking spray. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and frothy. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture in three parts, alternating with the vegetable oil and water. Mix until everything is well combined. Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract. Step 6: In another large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Step 7: Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg whites, beating until stiff peaks form. Step 8: Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Step 10: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan onto a wire rack. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Nutrition
This chiffon cake recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 224
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 93mg
Sodium: 199mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Total Sugars: 22g
Protein: 4g
Tips and Tricks
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help them combine better and create a lighter cake.
Separate your eggs carefully, making sure no egg yolk gets into the egg whites. Even a small amount of yolk can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Cake flour is finer and lighter, which will help create a fluffier cake.
Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter. Overmixing can cause the egg whites to deflate, resulting in a denser cake.
Once the cake is done, invert the pan onto a wire rack immediately. This will help prevent the cake from collapsing as it cools.
Conclusion
Chiffon cakes are a light and airy dessert that everyone will love. This recipe is easy to follow and will yield a perfect chiffon cake every time. Be sure to follow our tips and tricks for the best results. Happy baking!
Cakes are one of the most loved desserts in the world. They are perfect for any occasion, be it birthdays or weddings. Cakes can be baked in an oven, but what if you don't have one? Don't worry! You can still enjoy delicious cakes with the help of a microwave. In this article, we will discuss how to make cakes in the microwave.
Ingredients
To make cakes in the microwave, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1 egg
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make cakes in the microwave:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into a microwave-safe mug or bowl.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave. Check the cake after 1 minute and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the cake is fully cooked.
Remove the cake from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
If you want to make a chocolate cake, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the batter for extra flavor.
If you want a taller cake, use a larger mug or bowl and double the recipe.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutrition information for one serving of microwave cake:
Calories: 350
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Making cakes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a few simple ingredients and instructions, you can enjoy a delicious cake in just a matter of minutes. So, next time you're craving something sweet, give this recipe a try!
Birthdays are special occasions that call for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a birthday cake? Character cakes are a popular choice for kids' birthdays, and they can be customized to feature their favorite characters. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make character birthday cakes.
Ingredients
To make a character birthday cake, you will need the following ingredients: - Cake mix or ingredients to make a cake from scratch - Frosting - Food coloring - Fondant - Edible decorations (candies, sprinkles, etc.) - Character cake topper (optional)
Cake Mix or Ingredients to Make a Cake from Scratch
You can use a cake mix to make a character birthday cake or make a cake from scratch. If you choose to use a cake mix, make sure to follow the instructions on the box. If you are making a cake from scratch, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 cups granulated sugar - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 2 tsp baking powder - 1½ tsp baking soda - 1 tsp salt - 1 cup buttermilk - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 eggs - 2 tsp vanilla extract - 1 cup boiling water
Frosting
You can use any type of frosting for your character birthday cake, but buttercream frosting is a popular choice. You will need the following ingredients to make buttercream frosting: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cups powdered sugar - ¼ cup whole milk - 2 tsp vanilla extract - Pinch of salt
Food Coloring
Food coloring is used to color the frosting and fondant to match the character's colors. You can use gel or liquid food coloring.
Fondant
Fondant is a type of sugar dough that can be rolled out and used to cover the cake. You can buy pre-made fondant or make your own using the following ingredients: - 1 bag (16 oz) mini marshmallows - 2-3 tbsp water - 2 lbs powdered sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract - Food coloring (optional)
Edible Decorations
Edible decorations such as candies, sprinkles, and fondant shapes can be used to decorate the cake.
Character Cake Topper (Optional)
A character cake topper can be used to add an extra touch to the cake. You can buy a pre-made topper or make your own using fondant.
Instructions
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to make the character birthday cake. Here are the step-by-step instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 4. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. 5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. 6. Slowly pour in the boiling water and mix until well combined. 7. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. 8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Buttercream Frosting
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. 2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. 3. Mix until well combined and the frosting is smooth. 4. Separate the frosting into different bowls and add food coloring to achieve the desired colors for the character.
Fondant
1. Melt the mini marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tbsp of water. 2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the fondant until it is smooth and pliable. 4. Add food coloring to achieve the desired color for the character.
Assembly
1. Place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand. 2. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake. 3. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. 4. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. 5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. 6. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and apply a thicker layer of frosting over the entire cake. 7. Smooth out the frosting using a spatula or a cake scraper. 8. Roll out the fondant to the desired thickness and use it to cover the cake. 9. Use edible decorations to decorate the cake. 10. Add a character cake topper (optional).
Nutrition
The nutritional information for a character birthday cake will vary depending on the ingredients and serving size. However, here is an estimate of the nutritional information for a 1/12th slice of a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting: - Calories: 400 - Fat: 16g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Cholesterol: 50mg - Sodium: 330mg - Carbohydrates: 64g - Fiber: 2g - Sugars: 50g - Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Making a character birthday cake is a fun and creative way to celebrate a special occasion. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can customize the cake to feature your child's favorite character. Whether you choose to make a cake from scratch or use a cake mix, the end result will be a delicious and memorable cake that everyone will enjoy.