Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
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, cloves, cardamom, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined.
8. Fold in the walnuts, dried figs, dried apricots, and dates.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 441
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil: Canola oil or melted butter
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds
- Dried figs: Raisins or dried cranberries
- Dried apricots: Dried cherries or dried pineapple
- Dates: Dried mango or dried papaya
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter
- Substitute 1/2 cup of almond flour for 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter
- Substitute 1/2 cup of honey for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease and flour the cake pan before adding the batter.
- Be sure not to over-mix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, run a knife around the edges of the cake before turning it out.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Slice the cake and serve with a scoop of ice cream.
- Drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped dried figs
- Chopped dried apricots
- Chopped dates
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate sauce
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter before baking.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure not to over-mix the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling any ingredients.
- Make sure to bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Food History:
Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian cake that is made with dried fruits and nuts. It is usually served during the holidays and is a popular dessert in Croatia.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The dried fruits add a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Croatian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spicy, Caramelized, Buttery