Introduction
Birthdays are special occasions that call for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with cake? In Poland, birthday cakes are an important part of the celebration and are often homemade with love. In this article, we will be sharing some of the best traditional Polish birthday cake recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your celebration even more special.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – 2 large eggs – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – 1 cup buttermilk For the frosting: – 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – 4 cups powdered sugar – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. 4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk and mixing well after each addition. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 7. For the frosting, using an electric mixer, cream together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. 8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Top with the second cake layer, and spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. 9. Decorate the cake with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: – Calories: 532 – Fat: 27g – Carbohydrates: 70g – Protein: 4g – Sodium: 215mg – Sugar: 55g
Cooking Time
Total cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment
– Two 9-inch round cake pans – Electric mixer – Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
This traditional Polish birthday cake is perfect for any celebration, but especially for birthdays. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying dessert.
Variations
There are many variations of this traditional Polish birthday cake recipe. You can add different flavors to the cake batter, such as lemon or almond extract, or add fresh fruit to the frosting. You can also experiment with different decorations, such as edible flowers, macarons, or meringue.
Substitutions
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also substitute the butter in the frosting with cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
Storage
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.
Tips
– Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing the cake batter. This will help ensure a smooth and even texture. – Don’t overmix the cake batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a tough cake. – Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off the cake. – If your frosting is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations!
Notes
This recipe makes a classic vanilla cake with vanilla frosting, but you can easily customize it to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! You can make the cake a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost it the day of the celebration. Q: Can I use a different size cake pan? A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and will need to bake for longer. If you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner and will bake for less time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this traditional Polish birthday cake recipe is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any celebration. With its moist and fluffy cake layers and creamy vanilla frosting, it’s sure to impress your guests and make your celebration even more special. We encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and customize it to your liking. Happy baking!