Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crab-apple flowers, chopped
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag and tip (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped crab-apple flowers.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
8. To make the vanilla frosting, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, using a spatula to smooth it out. Alternatively, you can use a piping bag and tip to create decorative swirls.
10. Garnish the cake with additional crab-apple flowers, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 390
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg
Sugar: 40g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of edible flowers in place of the crab-apple flowers.
- If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the additional salt in the recipe.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter for added texture.
- Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with another flavor, such as almond or lemon.
- Use a different type of frosting, such as cream cheese or chocolate.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to chop the crab-apple flowers finely so that they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- To make the frosting easier to spread, allow the butter to come to room temperature before making it.
- If the frosting is too thick, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
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 the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or platter, garnished with additional crab-apple flowers.
Garnishes:
Additional crab-apple flowers
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or whipped cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, it may have been overbaked. Try reducing the baking time by a few minutes next time.
- If the frosting is too thin, add additional powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to wash the crab-apple flowers thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
Food history:
Edible flowers have been used in cooking for centuries, and were particularly popular in Victorian England. Crab-apple flowers have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with vanilla.
Flavor profiles:
The cake has a light, fluffy texture with a subtle vanilla flavor and a hint of sweetness from the crab-apple flowers. The frosting is creamy and sweet with a rich vanilla flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
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, Vanilla, Fruity, Moist, Creamy, Vanilla-Flavored