Welcome to a delightful twist on traditional cake recipes! This Spinach Cake combines the freshness of spinach with the sweetness of cake, resulting in a unique and visually stunning dessert. Perfect for any occasion, this cake not only looks amazing but also tastes delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Full Recipe:
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 powder (150 g)
- 1 cup of cold milk (250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 g)
- 150 g mild cream cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Puree
- Wash and Dry the Spinach:
- Start by washing the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat the spinach dry with a clean towel.
- Blend Spinach and Milk:
- Place the spinach and 1/3 cup of milk in a blender. Blend until you have a smooth, bright green puree. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar:
- 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 Spinach Puree:
- Add the spinach puree to the egg mixture and blend until well combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Divide and Bake:
- 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.
- Cool the Cakes:
- 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.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream
- Beat Whipped 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 Cream Cheese:
- 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.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, level the tops if necessary to ensure they are flat.
- Layer and Frost:
- 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.
- Decorate:
- For a decorative touch, you can pipe some of the frosting around the edges or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Cake:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your beautiful green and white Spinach Cake!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
Possible Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before blending with the milk.
- What can I use instead of whipped cream powder?
- You can use heavy whipping cream (about 1 cup) and whip it with sugar until stiff peaks form as a substitute.
- Can I add other flavors to the cake?
- Absolutely! Lemon zest or almond extract can be great additions to complement the spinach flavor.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Blending Spinach: Ensure the spinach is blended to a smooth puree to avoid any leafy bits in the cake.
- Batter Consistency: Mix the batter until just combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Frosting: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth and creamy frosting.
Conclusion
This Spinach Cake is a creative and delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your dessert. The vibrant green color from the spinach combined with the sweet, moist cake and creamy frosting makes for a visually appealing and tasty treat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy baking and savor every bite of this unique dessert!
This recipe not only brings a pop of color to your table but also offers a sneaky way to include greens in your diet. The spinach flavor is subtle, making it a fun surprise for those who may not be big fans of vegetables. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the earthy notes of the spinach cake perfectly. Whether for a birthday, a festive celebration, or just a regular day, this Spinach Cake is bound to be a hit.