Cake with kefir
Description
Homemade treats for tea. This baked good has gained its popularity for a good reason—it's not only beautiful when sliced and delicious, but also made from simple, affordable ingredients. Achieving the striped pattern is not difficult, despite first impressions. The secret lies in using differently colored dough, where light and dark stripes intertwine to create a stunning visual effect. Grab a wooden skewer or toothpick to create a beautiful pattern, and let's get started. Making the design is very easy! With such a treat, any tea time will turn into a celebration.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients. Use kefir with 2.5% fat content, or higher. Use category С1 eggs. Use natural cocoa powder; "Nesquik" drink mix is not suitable. All ingredients should be at room temperature, so take the kefir and eggs out of the refrigerator in advance.
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Step 2
Combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a deep bowl. Beat them. It's better not to use a mixer in this recipe; a regular whisk will be enough.
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Step 3
Add kefir and mix.
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Step 4
Add the flour in parts, setting aside 3 tablespoons separately, as we will need them a little later.
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Step 5
I add the flour in 3 batches, and while adding the flour, add the baking powder.
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Step 6
Mix the batter until smooth. The batter should have the consistency of thin sour cream.
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Step 7
Divide the dough in half—I use a scale, but you can estimate by eye. Into one part, add the reserved flour.
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Step 8
Mix until the lumps disappear.
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Step 9
Add cocoa to the other part of the dough.
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Step 10
Also, mix the dough until smooth.
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Step 11
Take a baking pan; mine has a diameter of 20 cm. I have a pan with low sides, so I lined it with silicone-coated parchment paper, shaping the sides. If you're using regular baking paper or a pan with sufficiently high sides, simply grease the bottom and sides with vegetable oil.
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Step 12
Pour the batter of one color into the center of the container, trying to hit the very middle.
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Step 13
Then place the dough of a different color in the center of this dough (using another spoon). Due to its weight, it will slightly sink to the bottom of the mold and begin to spread outward, pushing the ring of contrasting color ahead of it.
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Step 14
It is important to remember that all portions of dough should be approximately the same volume. If you take one tablespoon, the strips will be thin. If you take 2-3 tablespoons, the lines in the final result will be more contrasting and distinct. The process resembles the formation of ripples on water. Instead of a stone, we drop dough into the center of the container, alternating its colors. Use all the dough, alternating the colors as you go.
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Step 15
With a wooden skewer or toothpick, draw several lines from the center to the edge and back. This creates a beautiful pattern as shown in the photo.
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Step 16
Bake the cake for approximately 30-40 minutes in an oven preheated to 180°C. The exact time will depend on your oven's characteristics and the size of the pan. If your oven heats unevenly and the cake cracks in the center, place the pan in an oven preheated to 200°C, then reduce the temperature to 140°C and bake for an hour, covering the pan with foil. Remove the foil 10-15 minutes before the end of baking, check for doneness with a wooden skewer (it should come out dry), and let the cake brown by increasing the temperature to 180°C. This simple method will help you achieve a smooth, even cake.
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Step 17
Remove the finished cake from the oven, let it cool, and release it from the mold.
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Step 18
At this point, the pastry can already be served with tea, but I suggest preparing a chocolate glaze—it will make the flavor much more vibrant! To simplify the process, you can use dark chocolate bar. Break it into pieces, add 4 tablespoons of milk and 1 tablespoon of butter. Mix and heat in short bursts in the microwave until fully melted. Then place it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. I will be making the glaze using cocoa powder. You'll need sugar, cocoa, milk, and a small piece of butter.
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Step 19
In a small saucepan or skillet, combine sugar and cocoa.
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Step 20
Add the milk and mix. Place the mixture over low heat and heat while stirring constantly. A smooth, liquid consistency should be achieved.
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Step 21
Remove the glaze from the heat and immediately add the butter.
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Step 22
It is necessary for subsequent hardening and imparting a delicate flavor.
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Step 23
Let the glaze cool slightly and apply it to the baked goods. You can decorate as desired.
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Step 24
I used almond flakes. The kefir "Zebra" cake is ready.
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Step 25
And this is what it looks like when sliced.
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Step 26
Remove from the oven and serve warm or cooled.