Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the dates and walnuts.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 9-inch round cake
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the butter, you can use margarine or vegetable oil.
- For the buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or milk.
- For the dates, you can use raisins or dried cranberries.
- For the walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds.
Variations:
- For a different flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom.
- You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped apples or 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease and flour the pan before adding the batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped dates
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Hot coffee
- Hot tea
- Vanilla ice cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a little more buttermilk.
- If the cake is too moist, try baking it for a few minutes longer.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container.
Food History:
Piernik is a traditional Polish cake that is usually served during the holidays. It is made with honey, spices, and dried fruits, and is often served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze.
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Region: Polish