Welcome the rich aromas and delightful tang of freshly ripe red currants into your kitchen with this Aromatic Red Currant Cake. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a moist, fluffy cake that's bursting with flavor. The added zest of orange and a touch of vanilla enhance the natural tartness of the red currants, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that’s sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This Red Currant Cake is a treat for all senses, offering a delicate balance of sweet and tangy notes, complemented by the luxurious texture that sour cream (or Greek yogurt) imparts. The cake is easy to make, requiring straightforward ingredients and yielding consistent results, making it a reliable choice for any baker. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this cake promises to become a favorite for its delightful taste and simple elegance.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it at a family brunch, a casual afternoon tea, or as a special dessert after a cozy family dinner. It’s particularly suitable for summer gatherings or to celebrate the red currant season in your own backyard. The cake’s vibrant flavor and homey feel also make it a wonderful gift for neighbors or friends.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish.
- Garnish with fresh red currants and thin orange slices for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream to complement the cake’s fruity flavors.
- Drizzle a simple orange glaze over the top to enhance the citrus notes; just mix some orange juice with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Decorate the serving platter with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of greenery and a hint of minty freshness.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 100-120g sugar (adjust based on the tartness of the berries)
- 120g melted butter
- 180g sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 230-250g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla, to taste
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 100g fresh or frozen red currants
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 14x25 cm cake pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the melted butter and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and vanilla. Gradually add these to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or whisk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be neither too thick nor too thin, adjust the amount of flour if necessary.
- Add Fruits and Flavor:
- Fold in the red currants and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake rises and turns golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the cake starts to over-brown on top, cover loosely with foil after 25 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the cake cool before slicing. Serve with a freshly brewed pot of tea and invite your loved ones to enjoy this delightful treat together.
Enjoy this lovely Red Currant Cake, where each slice brings a burst of summer joy and the comfort of home-baked goodness.