Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Stir in walnuts, raisins, and dates.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.
8. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Caramel Sauce:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cream and vanilla extract.
5. Let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 462
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: can be substituted with whole wheat flour
- Vegetable oil: can be substituted with melted butter
- Buttermilk: can be substituted with plain yogurt
- Walnuts: can be substituted with pecans or almonds
- Raisins: can be substituted with dried cranberries or cherries
- Dates: can be substituted with dried apricots or figs
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the cake batter
- Substitute the caramel sauce with a cream cheese frosting
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the caramel sauce
- To make the caramel sauce smoother, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The caramel sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake on a platter, topped with the caramel sauce and fresh fruit
- Slice the cake into individual servings and top with a dollop of caramel sauce
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped dates
- Chopped dried apricots
- Shredded coconut
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding the caramel sauce.
Food History:
Suncake is a traditional dessert from the Mediterranean region, which has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a light and fluffy cake that is often served with a sweet caramel sauce.
Flavor Profiles:
This suncake has a light and fluffy texture, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The caramel sauce adds a sweet and creamy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This suncake is best served warm, topped with the caramel sauce and fresh fruit. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Sweet, Rich, Caramelized, Moist