Aroma of Zanzibar: September 2017

There are somethings you just do not outgrow no matter how old you get. In my case it is this beautiful simple vanilla cake that used to ( and still is) always done with some such beautiful colors which makes it cake very attractive and interesting especially for special occasion.

Growing up in Zanzibar , having a colorful cake for Eid was a must. We all looked forward to visiting family and friends just to enjoy and compare whose house served the prettiest color or served the largest piece of cake we really did not care much about the taste or texture.

Looking at this cake one might get intrigued, it is just like any spongy, moist and fluffy vanilla cake with a hit of orange zest which gives it a whole new level of intensity yet balanced with flavors and freshness. It is not too sweet and can hold on without any kind of frosting , its perfect with evening tea or brunch item.

I am going to share the recipe with you so you can be the judge of it.

Recipe:

4 ½ cups/563 gms all-purpose flour
4 tps baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 and ½ cups butter (3 sticks) 340gms
3 cups/600gms sugar
1 ½ cups milk /350ml
2 tsp vanilla essence
½ tsp orange zest (optional)

Method:

Pre-heat oven on 350F/175C, line up the baking bap with parchment paper or grease the pan with butter or shorting and then dust some flour

1. Sift the flour twice, add baking powder , baking soda and salt. Keep it a side

2. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy ( this can be done with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer) on a low speed. Scrape the bowl

3. Add one egg at a time on low speed, beating well after each addition until well combined

4. While the mixer is still on low speed , add the milk slowly and gradually, add the vanilla extract and orange zest. Increase the speed and continue mixing for about 2 minutes.

5. Fold in the flour gently in small potions (about 1/2 cup)

6. Separate the batter into 4 portions out of which 3 will be about 4 oz into separate bowls and color the batter with your favorite colors

7. Spread the white batter in the prepared pan, add the colored batter in various angles, center and side. Use any sharp tool or batter knife to make a swirl.

8. Tap down the pan 2-3 to release any air bubbles

9. Bake at 350F/175C for 40-45 minutes

10. Once it has cooled down,
release the cake from the pan and slice it in any size you desire