Discover the rich flavors and rustic charm of the Traditional Malagueña Cake, a beloved Spanish dessert that will leave you enchanted with its simplicity and deliciousness. This cake features a delicate blend of anise seeds, lemon zest, and cinnamon, creating a unique and aromatic flavor profile that perfectly complements its moist and tender texture. Made with a base of olive oil and enriched with the warmth of traditional spices, this cake is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that is both comforting and captivating.
Why You’ll Love This: The Malagueña Cake is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create a profoundly satisfying dessert. The olive oil in the batter ensures a moist crumb, while the anise seeds offer a subtle, licorice-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with the bright zest of lemon and the sweet warmth of cinnamon. This cake is not overly sweet, making it perfect for those who appreciate desserts that balance sugar with the depth of aromatic spices.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve it as a sophisticated treat at a brunch, enjoy it as an afternoon snack with tea, or present it as a dessert at family dinners. It’s also perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special weekend treat. The rustic and homey qualities of this cake make it a great choice for casual get-togethers as well as more formal celebrations.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top of the Malagueña Cake with powdered sugar before serving. To enhance the lemon flavor, you can also garnish it with a few strips of lemon zest or a light drizzle of a simple lemon glaze. Serving it on a vintage or ceramic cake stand can add to its rustic charm.
Ingredients:
- 240 ml milk
- 140 ml olive oil (preferably a very mild one or a blend of extra virgin and sunflower oil)
- 200 grams sugar
- 10 grams anise seeds
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 250 grams sifted flour
- 16 grams baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a baking pan approximately 18x27 cm in size.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, olive oil, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add the anise seeds, lemon zest, and cinnamon to the milk mixture and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Gradually fold in the sifted flour and baking powder, mixing just until there are no lumps and the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy! Serve this Traditional Malagueña Cake as a delightful end to a meal or a special treat to brighten your day. Its unique blend of flavors and textures is sure to impress and satisfy any palate.