Homemade Magic Cake

Homemade Magic Cake 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbjZLiWbR0E

I was so excited to finally get to try this recipe over the weekend! It is one that I had seen several times on Pinterest and had even ended up pinning the recipe twice by mistake. I think what intrigued me so much about this recipe was how easy it seemed to make, and yet how complex the results looked.
For starters…. this cake is magic! and not only in its taste ;)
This cake is called a magic cake because it uses just one batter that after baking in the oven, results in 3 delicious and distinct layers. I can't explain the science behind it, but it works.
The bottom most layer becomes a very dense layer, almost like your crust. In the middle you get a creamy custard layer. And on top is a light spongy layer. Put it all together and you have one amazing cake!
I used a Kitchen Nostalgia recipe that can be found here. But ended up more closely following a YouTube link on that page that can be found here :)

Below is the recipe as I made it.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs, separated, at room temperature
• 1 Tbsp water
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 4 drops of vinegar
• 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp (150gr) of sugar 
• 3/4 cup (115gr) flour 
• 1 stick (125gr) butter, melted 
• 2 cups milk (500ml), lukewarm
• powdered sugar (optional)
• whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Separate egg whites from egg yolks for the 4 eggs. Put egg whites in bowl and add 4 drops of vinegar. Then mix egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, beat egg yolks, sugar, water and vanilla until mixture is frothy. Add in melted butter and continue to beat for another minute. Then add in the flour and mix it in.
4. Next add lukewarm milk (must be lukewarm, so that butter does not harden) and beat in until well incorporated.
5. Now gently fold in beaten egg whites (being sure to fold and not mix!)
6. Pour batter into a greased 8 x 8 in baking pan/dish and bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden. (Baking time can vary anywhere from 40-60 mins on this, so check on it at around the 40 min mark)
7. After out of oven, let cake sit for at least 3 hours before serving. If you want to up the presentation, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top and add a dollop of whipped cream. Delish!

           Enjoy :)

Some Helpful Tips!
- I personally think this cake tastes best served cool. Try leaving it in the refrigerator and taking it out just a bit before it's ready to be served. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream and you're ready to go!
- Also super important! If you mix the eggs whites instead of fold, you will not get nice defined layers. It is okay that there are foamy clumps floating to the top, that is what the mixture is supposed to do!
- A last important thing is that when this cake comes out of the oven, it may seem a little liquidy and you may think it is not done. I say go by the color of the top of the cake. For me, it seemed a bit liquidy but after sitting for 3 hours at room temperature, the cake took stronger form and was perfect.

This is one of my new go to recipes and I'm sure it will become one of yours too!
The next time I make it, I want to experiment and try one commenters recommendation and simply put all the ingredients in a blender. If that works out, I'll update this post with pictures!
:)

The Most Delicious Moist Banana Bread Ever!!!

The Most Delicious Moist Banana Bread Ever!!!

Okay so maybe this is not the most humble title for a recipe, but it really is the most delicious, moist, banana bread ever! The best part is how simple this recipe is to make and how easy it is to make adjustments if you like. Yesterday when I made this bread, my mixer was acting a little wonky and so out  of frustration I began to mix the butter and sugar by hand! It turned out perfectly :)  The original recipe can be found here. I've made a few adjustments but the process is still very simple. Yesterday I made this recipe for a small loaf and cut all the ingredients in half.

Below is the recipe that I use for the full sized loaf.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (if using unsalted, add 1/2 tsp of salt)
• 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of white sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 bananas, finely crushed
• 1 1/2 cups of flour
• 1 tsp of baking soda
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla
• 1 cup of walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cream together butter, dark brown sugar, and white sugar. (Can even mix this with your hands!)
3. Next, add eggs to the mixture and beat with a fork. 
4. Then add crushed bananas and beat in until well combined.
5. Add in flour and baking soda to creamed mixture. Add vanilla.
6. Pour mixture into greased and floured loaf pan.
7. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until top is dark golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
8. Enjoy! :)

These pictures show the banana bread made with walnuts, but if you are not particularly fond of nuts, or are allergic, just leave them out! Either way you make it, you will love the result!