Irresistible Quick Cake: A Delightful Dessert in Minutes

The Sweet Story Behind This Quick Cake

Imagine a dessert that comes together faster than you can say “baking magic” – a cake that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. This Quick Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the joy of home baking, proving that delicious desserts don’t need to be complicated.

Born from the desire to create a foolproof, crowd-pleasing cake, this recipe combines the tangy richness of kefir, the sweetness of jam, and the satisfying crunch of nuts. It’s the perfect solution for those moments when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• Eggs: 3 large
• Vegetable Oil: 100g (1/2 cup)
• Kefir: 250ml (1 cup)
• Granulated Sugar: 250g (1 1/4 cups)
• All-Purpose Flour: 200g (1 2/3 cups)
• Baking Powder: 10g (2 teaspoons)
• Marmalade or Jam: 150g (1/2 cup)
• Chopped Nuts (such as walnuts or almonds): 50g (1/2 cup)
• Additional Oil: 1 tablespoon (for greasing)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Prepare for Baking
   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
   • Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan
   • Line the bottom with parchment paper
   • Lightly brush the parchment with 1 tablespoon of oil
2. Create the Batter
   • In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs
   • Add vegetable oil
   • Pour in kefir
   • Add granulated sugar
   • Whisk ingredients together until well combined
   • Ensure sugar begins to dissolve
3. Add Dry Ingredients
   • Sift flour and baking powder together
   • Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture
   • Mix gently until just combined
   • Be careful not to overmix
   • Batter should be smooth with no visible flour pockets
4. Bake the Cake
   • Pour batter into prepared cake pan
   • Spread evenly with a spatula
   • Tap pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles
   • Place in preheated oven
   • Bake for 45 minutes
   • Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center
   • Toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
5. Finish and Decorate
   • Remove cake from oven
   • Let cool in pan for 10 minutes
   • Turn out onto a wire rack
   • Allow to cool completely
   • Spread marmalade or jam generously over the top
   • Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly
6. Serve and Enjoy
   • Slice into wedges
   • Serve at room temperature
   • Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10 of the cake)

• Calories: 320-350
• Protein: 5-6g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fat: 15-18g
• Sugar: 25-30g
• Calcium: 5-6% of daily value

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Time: Approximately 1 hour Servings: 10 slices

Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Kefir Magic: Kefir adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake
• Nut Preparation: Toast nuts lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor
• Jam Selection: Choose a jam that complements the nuts
• Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through cooking
• Cooling Technique: Allow cake to cool completely before topping

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute kefir with plant-based yogurt
• Fruit Alternatives: Try different jams or fresh fruit compote
• Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or replace with seeds
• Spice It Up: Add cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use yogurt instead of kefir? A: Yes! Plain yogurt works as an excellent substitute for kefir.

Q2: How do I store this cake? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, freeze without the jam topping for up to 3 months.

Q4: My cake is too dense. What went wrong? A: Overmixing can cause a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Q5: Can I make this cake vegan? A: Use egg replacer, plant-based yogurt, and vegetable oil for a similar result.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days
• Refrigeration: Keep for up to 1 week
• Freezing: Freeze cake (without topping) for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm slightly before serving
• Prep Ahead: Mix dry ingredients the night before

Discover the joy of quick and delicious baking with this irresistible cake—a slice of pure happiness!