Queen Cake
Queen Cake is a symbol of elegance and indulgence, crafted to captivate both the heart and palate. With its soft, buttery texture and a hint of sweetness, this beloved treat feels like a royal embrace in every bite. Often adorned with rich flavors and delicate toppings, Queen Cake transcends time, bringing warmth and joy to any occasion. Its irresistible charm makes it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a comforting companion for cherished moments.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough to combine all ingredients easily.
- 1 Hand Mixer or Whisk For creaming butter and sugar until fluffy
- 1 Sifter To sift dry ingredients for a lighter texture.
- 1 Measuring Cups For accurate measurement of wet ingredients.
- 1 Measuring Spoons To measure small quantities like vanilla extract.
- 1 Spatula For folding ingredients and scraping the bowl.
- 1 Baking Pan Typically an 8-inch round or square pan.
- 1 Oven Preheated to the required baking temperature.
- 1 Cooling rack To cool the cake evenly after baking.
- 1 Knife Optional, for leveling the cake if needed.
Ingredients
- 200 grams Unsalted Butter Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 200 grams Caster Sugar Provides sweetness and a light texture.
- 4 large Eggs Ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
- 200 grams All-Purpose Flour Sifted for a smoother and lighter cake.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps the cake rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
- 2 tablespoons Milk Adds moisture to the batter, making the cake tender.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the cake.
- Optional Zest of Lemon or Orange For a hint of citrusy freshness.
- Optional Dried Fruits or Nuts Can be mixed into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar using a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the batter.
- Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula
- Add milk as needed to achieve a smooth, thick batter consistency.
- If using dried fruits, nuts, or citrus zest, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.Transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Slice the Queen Cake and serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar or decorate as desired.