Imagine a cake so delightful it transports you straight to a cozy Russian kitchen, where warmth and tradition blend into every delectable bite. This "Holiday Cake" (Праздничный торт) isn't just a dessert—it's a celebration of flavor, nostalgia, and culinary artistry that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress guests or create a memorable family dessert, this recipe promises to be your secret weapon in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Russian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fruit preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the 1 cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Once the batter is smooth, pour half of it into the prepared cake pan. Spread 1 cup of fruit preserves evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently to cover the preserves.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can serve it as is or dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch. Enjoy your delicious Holiday Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Even Fruit Spread: When adding fruit preserves, spread them carefully and evenly to ensure a consistent flavor in every slice.
- Toothpick Test: Always check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to help it set and enhance its flavor.
- Optional Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar or add a light glaze to elevate the cake's presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
