Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey to South Africa with a recipe that encapsulates both tradition and taste – Queen Cakes! These small, sweet treats have been cherished across generations, bringing joy to countless households. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary adventures, Queen Cakes offer a delightful experience that’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Stand Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Makes 12 Queen Cakes
Let’s dive into the heart of this beloved South African recipe and explore the ingredients and cookware needed to create these delectable delights.
Ingredients
To embark on your Queen Cakes baking journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 125g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
- 25g (3 tablespoons) desiccated coconut
- 50g (1/3 cup) currants or raisins
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Cookware Needed
Before you start baking, ensure you have the following cookware ready:
- Mixing bowls (medium-sized)
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Muffin tray
- Cupcake liners or greased muffin cups
- Spoon or ice cream scoop for portioning
- Wire rack for cooling
Now that we have all the essentials gathered, let’s dive into the delightful process of creating Queen Cakes!
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your Queen Cakes bake evenly and to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tray
Line your muffin tray with cupcake liners or grease the muffin cups lightly to prevent sticking. This step ensures easy removal of the Queen Cakes once they are baked.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric hand mixer or whisk.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well creamed, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds richness and flavor to your Queen Cakes.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl with the butter mixture. Add the desiccated coconut and currants or raisins. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cakes light and fluffy.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency
If the batter seems too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, dropping consistency. This ensures that your Queen Cakes have the perfect texture.
Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cakes to rise while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the Queen Cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffin tray from the oven and allow the Queen Cakes to cool in the tray for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Queen Cakes as a sweet treat for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving of Queen Cakes:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Conclusion: My Personal Experience
Baking Queen Cakes has always been a cherished tradition in my family. From the sweet aroma that fills the kitchen to the joyous smiles when they’re served, these little cakes hold a special place in our hearts.
One of my fondest memories is baking Queen Cakes with my grandmother. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail in the kitchen, and every batch we made together was a delightful adventure.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations, from adding chocolate chips to swapping out currants for dried cranberries. Each time, I’m reminded of the versatility and creativity that baking allows.
Whether it’s for a special celebration or just a cozy afternoon treat, Queen Cakes never fail to bring warmth and happiness to those who indulge in them. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While butter adds richness to the Queen Cakes, margarine can be used as a substitute if preferred. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I omit the desiccated coconut?
A: Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to omit it from the recipe. The Queen Cakes will still turn out deliciously moist and flavorful.
Q: How should I store leftover Queen Cakes?
A: Store any leftover Queen Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of Queen Cakes. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and enjoy the extra treats!
Q: Can I use different dried fruits instead of currants or raisins?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your choice of dried fruits. Diced apricots, chopped dates, or even dried cherries would make delightful additions to your Queen Cakes.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance. Happy baking!
Hey there! I’m Christine, a nutritionist on a mission to make healthy eating fun, delicious, and totally doable for everyone. So, let me give you a peek into my world and how I ended up here.
Growing up, I wasn’t exactly a kitchen whiz. Sure, I knew the basics of eating healthy, but cooking? That was a whole different story. It wasn’t until I started my journey as a nutritionist that I truly began to appreciate the magic of food.
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