Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts, raisins, and chopped dates.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Maple Glaze:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 270mg
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 38g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chopped pecans instead of walnuts.
- You can use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- You can use chopped figs instead of dates.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate flavor.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor.
- You can add 1/4 cup of rum to the batter for a boozy flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease the cake pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze, or the glaze will melt and become runny.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand and dust it with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cake with chopped walnuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the cake with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is sticking to the pan, run a knife around the edges to loosen it before transferring it to a cooling rack.
- If the cake is dry, try adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream to the batter next time.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the recipe.
- Use fresh ingredients and check the expiration dates before using them.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth.
Food History:
Black Bun is a traditional Scottish cake that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally made with a mixture of beef, spices, and dried fruits, but over time, the recipe evolved to include more sweet ingredients like sugar and dried fruit.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich chocolate flavor with hints of coffee and maple.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Related Categories
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Region: Canadian
Taste: Sweet, Maple, Nutty, Rich, Maple-Flavored