Kefir Sheet Cake Recipe
Kefir is a tangy and slightly effervescent fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus Mountains. It is a great source of probiotics and has a slightly sour taste which makes it perfect for baking. One of the most delicious and easy recipes to make with kefir is a sheet cake. This mouth-watering treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. So, let’s get started on making the perfect kefir sheet cake!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup kefir
- 1 cup fresh fruit (such as berries or sliced peaches)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly add in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the kefir. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the fresh fruit on top of the batter in an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar (if desired) before serving.
Pro Tips:
- For a more indulgent treat, use whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topping for the cake.
- If you don’t have kefir, buttermilk or sour cream can be used as substitutes.
- You can use any fresh fruit of your choice in this recipe, but make sure to use thinly sliced fruit for even baking.
- To make it a gluten-free dessert, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a denser and more moist cake, mix in ½ cup of mashed bananas or applesauce.
Safety Precautions:
When working with a hot oven, make sure to use oven mitts to avoid burns. Also, be careful when removing the cake from the oven and transferring it to a wire rack for cooling.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious kefir sheet cake:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the kefir. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add fruit: Arrange fresh fruit on top of the batter in an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Once the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar (if desired) and serve.
Expert Tips for Premium Results:
- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easier removal of the cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter as it can result in a denser and tougher cake.
- If the cake starts to brown too quickly on top, cover it with foil for the remaining bake time.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting into it to prevent it from crumbling.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fruit but make sure to thaw it before adding it to the cake batter.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. How long will this cake stay fresh?
This cake can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
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