From the humble picnic spread to the grandest of feasts, there is nothing quite as delightful as a slice of homemade elderberry cake. This luxurious dessert paints a vivid tapestry of flavors that is simply unforgettable. The tangy sweetness of the elderberries singing a delightful duet with the cozy warmth of a classic sponge cake is truly a notch above and beyond any ordinary cake recipe. But just as sublime as its taste, is its health benefits. Elderberries, after all, are not just any ordinary berries. They’re power-packed nutritional superstars that bring a host of health benefits to the table.
Ingredients List
This elderberry cake recipe is one that has fondly passed from generation to generation, each adding their spin but always keeping the elderberries as the star. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh elderberries
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stirring until the ingredients are well integrated.
- In a different bowl, cream together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Beat the eggs into the sugar mixture, one at a time ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add in the dry ingredients into the sugar-egg mixture, mixing constantly to keep the batter smooth.
- Gently fold in the elderberries, taking care not to crush them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes.
- Let the cake cool before dusting it lightly with powdered sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time & Servings
The total cooking time for this elderberry cake recipe is approximately 1 hour and it serves about 8 people.
Nutritional Information
In addition to being a heavenly sweet, this Elderberry cake enriches your health as well. Each slice contains about 300 calories, 12 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein. But beyond the numbers, this elderberry beauty offers a wealth of antioxidants and provides a solid defense against the common cold.
Tips and Tricks
To make the elderberry cake recipe healthier, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If fresh elderberries are not available, frozen elderberries work just fine too. Try dusting the finished cake with powdered sugar for an additional touch of sweetness ‘n’ style.
Finally, as this dish comes together, it serves as a testament to…
The sheer joy of enjoying homemade desserts while reaping the health benefits of natural ingredients. So, why wait? It’s time to roll up those sleeves and bake up a friendship with elderberries. We’d love to hear about your adventures with this recipe and encourage you to share your experience on our forum.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use elderberry jam instead of fresh berries? Yes, you can, but remember to adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Is it safe to eat raw elderberries? No, they must be cooked first as raw berries are toxic.
- How do I store leftover elderberry cake? Ideally, in an airtight container, in a cool and dry place.
- Can I use another type of berry for this cake? Yes, blackberries or blueberries can also be used.
- I am vegan. Can I still make this recipe? Absolutely, substitute eggs with a flax or chia egg, and the butter with coconut oil.
In essence, the beautiful part of this recipe is it’s flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this elderberry cake recipe is sure to charm anyone who tries. So go ahead, give it a shot and surprise your loved ones with a slice of this delightful elderberry cake!
