Negus cake. Does the name intrigue you? It did for me when I first stumbled upon it in a vintage cookbook. This isn’t your typical trendy dessert, but a taste of history, a spiced cake that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Imagine a moist, flavorful cake infused with the warmth of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, a subtle sweetness from citrus, and a touch of richness from brandy. It’s the kind of cake that tells a story, a cake that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Intrigued? Let’s embark on a culinary journey and bake a Negus cake together.
Unveiling the Flavors of History: Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list; most of these are probably already sitting in your pantry.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Negus Syrup:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, can substitute with orange juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Negus Cake Ingredients
Baking Through Time: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Now comes the fun part – bringing our Negus cake to life!
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the Negus Syrup: While the cake is baking, combine the sugar, water, brandy (or orange juice), and orange juice in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Soak the Cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top. Pour the hot negus syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
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Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Baking Tips from a Seasoned Baker
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Spice Up Your Life: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ginger or cardamom can add a delightful twist.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs: Your Negus Cake Queries Answered
Q: Can I make this cake without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! You can easily replace the brandy in the syrup with an equal amount of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Q: What can I serve with Negus cake?
A: This cake is delicious on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it further. A cup of tea or coffee also makes a perfect pairing.
Woman pouring negus syrup over a freshly baked negus cake
A Slice of History on Your Plate
There you have it – your very own Negus cake, a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, flavorful baking. As you enjoy each bite, remember you’re partaking in a tradition that spans generations. Share this taste of history with your loved ones and create new memories around this delightful cake. Happy baking!
Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on this recipe or any fun twists you added.
