A Whiff of Cinnamon, A Slice of Bliss
Imagine a cake that's a visual treat as much as it's a culinary delight, merging the warmth of cinnamon with the buttery softness of the finest pound cake. That's the Cinnamon Marble Cake for you! This delightful dessert artfully brings together contrasting flavors in a beautiful pattern, much like a marble sculpture, promising a gustatory experience to remember.
The Core of the Cake: Ingredients
For a cake that takes you on a flavor roller-coaster, here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 70g dark brown sugar
- 20g cinnamon powder
- 260g heavy whipping cream (100g + 160g)
- 150g butter, softened
- 190g light brown sugar + 60g Muscovado sugar
- 180g eggs (roughly equivalent to 3 medium eggs)
- 280g flour, sifted
- 10g baking powder
Remember, we're baking this beauty in a 30-cm loaf pan. So, keep that handy!
Crafting the Cinnamon Marble Cake
- Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and lining your loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Stir together 70g dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and 100g cream in a small pan. Mix until well combined and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars into a light and fluffy texture. Feel free to sing along to your favorite tune as you do this!
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Patience is the key here.
- Time to bring in the flour and baking powder. Sprinkle half of it over the butter mixture and stir gently. Add half the remaining cream. Stir again, but remember, don't overdo it. Repeat with the remaining flour, baking powder, and cream.
- Spoon out 4-5 dollops of this mixture and add it to the cinnamon cream concoction. Combine well.
- Fill separate pastry bags with each mixture. Yes, it's a bit of a juggling act, but it's fun, and trust me, it's worth it!
- Pipe alternating stripes from both mixtures across and along the mold. Watch as the masterpiece begins to take shape!
- Bake it for around 40-45 minutes. You want the cake to be firm, but not too dry.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of your favorite dessert wine on the side wouldn't hurt either!
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving (approximately 100g) of this indulgent Cinnamon Marble Cake provides:
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Remember, this is an estimated breakdown, and the actual values can vary slightly.
Substitution Suggestions
Can't find Muscovado sugar? No worries, dark brown sugar works just as well. If you're out of heavy cream, half-and-half makes for a decent substitute.
Tricks of the Trade
Don't rush the cooling of the cinnamon mixture. The cake's texture depends on it. Also, while piping, remember to alternate the mixtures to create that perfect marble effect.
Last Crumbs of Thoughts
Baking a Cinnamon Marble Cake is like painting on a canvas with your favorite colors, only here, the colors are flavors! It's not just about the end product, but the joy in the process.
FAQ
How long can I store the Cinnamon Marble Cake?
Stored in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for about a week.
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
You can, but it may alter the cake's texture and taste slightly.
I don't have a pastry bag. What can I use instead?
A ziplock bag with a small corner cut off works just as well.
Can I use other spices instead of cinnamon?
Yes, nutmeg or cardamom could be interesting substitutes.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just ensure your baking pan can accommodate the increased volume.