If you’re looking for a cake that is both visually stunning and deliciously unique, this Spinach Cake is a perfect choice. This green and white cake is a showstopper with its vibrant green hue, courtesy of fresh spinach, and a creamy, fluffy white frosting. Don’t be put off by the idea of spinach in a cake – it adds a lovely color and moisture without a noticeable taste, making it a wonderful surprise for your guests. Whether for a special occasion or simply to try something new, this Spinach Cake will surely impress with its delightful appearance and scrumptious flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- A handful of fresh spinach
- 1/3 cup of milk (85 ml)
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar (300 g)
- 1 1/2 cups of flour (240 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (10 g)
For the Cream:
- 2 packets of whipped cream (150 g)
- 1 cup of cold milk (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 g)
- 150 g mild cream cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Spinach Puree:
- Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat the spinach dry with a clean towel.
- Place the spinach and 1/3 cup of milk in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth, bright green puree. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spinach puree to the egg mixture and blend until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream:
- In a large bowl, combine the packets of whipped cream powder with 1 cup of cold milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture thickens and forms stiff peaks.
- Add the mild cream cheese to the whipped cream and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, level the tops if necessary to ensure they are flat.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the first and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- For a decorative touch, you can pipe some of the frosting around the edges or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- Slice and enjoy your beautiful green and white Spinach Cake!
Cooking Tips:
- Blending Spinach: Ensure the spinach is blended very finely to avoid any large pieces in the cake. A high-speed blender or food processor works best for this.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and cream cheese at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter and frosting.
- Even Layers: For perfectly even cake layers, weigh the batter as you divide it between the pans.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake layers to cool completely before frosting prevents the cream from melting and keeps the layers intact.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate, spinach adds a nutritional boost to this cake.
- Lower Sugar Option: By using spinach and natural cream cheese, you can enjoy a sweet treat with less sugar compared to traditional cakes.
- Fiber: The spinach adds a bit of fiber to the cake, aiding in digestion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique Flavor: The subtle hint of spinach paired with the sweet, creamy frosting creates a unique and delicious flavor combination.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green cake with white frosting is eye-catching and perfect for special occasions.
- Moist Texture: The spinach puree keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This cake is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: The recipe does not include nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
- Lower in Sugar: The use of natural ingredients like spinach and cream cheese helps reduce the overall sugar content.
Why This Recipe Works: The success of this Spinach Cake lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The spinach adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor that is perfectly complemented by the sweet, creamy frosting. The light and fluffy cake base provides a soft and tender crumb, while the cream cheese frosting adds richness and a slight tang. This combination creates a cake that is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for any celebration.
Conclusion: Spinach Cake is a delightful and unexpected twist on traditional cake recipes. With its vibrant color, unique flavor, and numerous health benefits, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. This cake is perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste. Whether for a special occasion or simply to try something new, Spinach Cake is a must-try recipe that will impress both in taste and appearance. Enjoy baking and sharing this beautiful and delicious cake with your friends and family!