Delectable Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe | Easy Steps Included
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is a pagan festival celebrating the first signs of spring. It’s a time for new beginnings and fresh starts, and what better way to welcome the upcoming season than baking an Imbolc Butter Cake? This rich and decadent butter cake is perfect for celebrating Imbolc in style.
This cake is not just any cake – it’s a pound cake made with 2 cups of flour, 4 eggs, 1 1/4 cup butter, and 1 cup of sugar. And when combined together, these simple ingredients create a symphony of flavors that your taste buds will dance to. The texture is moist and tender, while the flavor is rich and buttery. The aroma of freshly baked cake drifting from your oven will make your mouth water.
But that’s not all – this recipe has a few extra special ingredients that take it to the next level. Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground almonds. These additions give the cake an indulgent flavor and moist crumbly texture. Each bite will be like experiencing a new layer of richness- you’ll think you’ve tasted every flavor but then you get hit with another mouthful of joy.
So why not join me in celebrating Imbolc with this delicious butter cake? Whether you’re a pagan or just looking for an excuse to bake something special, this recipe will leave you feeling satisfied and ready for the upcoming season. It’s super easy to make with minimal effort and bakes in just over an hour. So let’s preheat our ovens and get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of buttery, rich and decadent desserts, then this Imbolc Butter Cake recipe is definitely for you. The cake is made entirely from scratch with simple and wholesome ingredients in your pantry, making it an easy treat to bake for any occasion.
This Imbolc Butter Cake takes inspiration from the traditional Northern European pagan’s celebration of the transition from winter to spring. It’s a festive cake that signifies the return of light and abundance, which means it’s perfect for celebrating the promise of warmer days ahead.
One of the best things about this butter cake is its versatility. Whether served as a dessert or with tea or coffee, it tastes just as good for breakfast or brunch with friends. The cake is also elegant enough to serve on special occasions such as weddings or even birthdays.
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. By using real butter instead of margarine or shortening, you’ll get loads of natural flavors out of the cake without any artificial additives or hydrogenated oils. And since it’s made from scratch using whole-food ingredients like almond powder and whole wheat flour, you’ll know exactly what’s in your baked goods – without sacrificing taste and texture.
In conclusion, Imbolc Butter Cake recipe is simply irresistible with its delightful texture and marvelous taste that will leave you wanting more. Give it a try yourself and see why this Blue Ribbon dessert has been loved by many generations of bakers.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Lemon zest from 1 large lemon (optional)
The ingredient list for the Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe is relatively short and sweet, yet packs a flavorful punch. The list calls for all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – basic pantry staples. But the magic of this cake lies within the butter, and in generous amounts.
To execute the recipe most accurately, it’s crucial for the butter to be soft and pliable; To achieve that level of readiness, keep the butter at room temperature for a few hours before commencing with the prep work. Added to that, cream cheese plays a vital role in heightening the rich taste and gooey texture of this tender cake while adding some tanginess to balance it out. Particularly delectable is the addition of vanilla extract and lemon zest to intensify every bite even further make your taste buds sing!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have the ingredients ready, it’s time to make the Imbolc Butter Cake. Here is how you do it:
Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon baking soda.
Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugar
In a bowl of stand mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time as you continue to beat mixture up to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Alternately Add Flour Mixture and Cream Cheese
Reduce mixer speed to low, then gradually add flour mixture, alternating with cream cheese, in three additions.
Step 6: Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts
Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and three drops of almond extract.
Step 7: Prep The Pan and Bake The Cake
Butter your cake or bundt pan, dust it with flour, then pour the batter into the pan. Bake for approximately an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 8: Let It Cool And Serve
Let cool on a wire rack for about ten minutes before transferring the cake from the pan. Afterwards cool it off completely before serving or decorating it.
That’s it! A simple recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth while celebrating Imbolc, Brigid or any other occasion fit for dessert!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there’s always room for creativity and personal touches. Here I have a few substitutions and variations for the Imbolc Butter Cake recipe that can take your cake to the next level.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This would make it slightly nuttier in taste but still delicious with a good texture.
If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can skip it and instead add a few drops of almond extract to the batter. This will give you that nutty flavor without any chunks of nuts in the cake.
For those who love citrusy flavors, why not try making a lemon-poppyseed cake? Simply replace the ground almonds with 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds and add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the batter. This will give your cake a zesty flavor that makes it perfect for an afternoon tea party.
If you’re looking for an herby twist, try adding some lavender or rosemary into the mix. Lavender goes especially well with buttery flavors while Rosemary provides more earthy tastes.
Lastly, if you’re celebrating Imbolc as part of pagan’s Brigid feast or want to have something unique for your blue ribbon competition, why not try making a Kentucky Butter Cake. It’s a famous variation of this dish and is just as gooey but with a little extra bourbon flavor in it.
Remember that baking doesn’t require following every rule, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find your own style with this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
After baking the Imbolc Butter Cake, it’s time to indulge in a slice of this buttery goodness. The Imbolc Butter Cake, with its moist and soft texture, serves as an excellent dessert on its own or paired with some accompaniments.
One of the simplest pairing suggestions is to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the cake before slicing it. It adds a touch of sweetness and gives the cake an elegant finish.
Another great addition that pairs well with the Imbolc Butter Cake is fresh fruits such as berries, peaches, or sliced bananas. Fruits not only make a delicious addition to the dessert but also add color to your presentation. For an extra decadent treat, try serving a slice of cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. It will take your dessert experience to new heights.
If you are looking for a unique flavor combination, try pairing the Imbolc Butter Cake with lavender or rosemary tea. These herbal teas complement the buttery flavor of the cake and create a divine fusion of floral and buttery flavors.
Moreover, you can also enjoy this cake as a part of your brunch menu alongside some savory items such as bacon or eggs. Its fluffy texture pairs well with coffee or tea and makes for a fantastic breakfast treat.
In conclusion, the Imbolc Butter Cake can be enjoyed in many ways and offers plenty of room for experiments. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, rest assured that slices of this deliciously moist and indulgent cake won’t last long!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As someone who loves to bake, I know the importance of being able to prepare ahead of time. Luckily, this Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. It is also easy to reheat without losing any flavor or texture.
For those who want to prepare ahead of time, the Imbolc Butter Cake can be made up to one day in advance. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature until ready to serve.
If you want to make the cake even further in advance, it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To do this, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours before reheating.
When reheating the cake, you have a few different options. For individual servings, you can microwave slices for 20-30 seconds on high heat until warm. For larger portions or if you want a crispier texture, place the cake back into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until slightly browned on top.
No matter which option you choose, the Imbolc Butter Cake will still be just as delicious as when it was freshly baked. So go ahead and make this tasty buttery treat ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Before you embark on making the delicious Imbolc butter cake recipe, let me share with you some tips that will help ensure perfect results every time. Baking is a science and sometimes even small differences can lead to big changes in the final product. So, here are a few tips for making sure that your Imbolc butter cake is the best it can be:
1. Soften your ingredients properly: The key to making a perfect Imbolc butter cake is having ingredients at the right temperature before getting started. Butter, cream cheese, and eggs all need to be at room temperature before using them. Cold ingredients will not blend together well and can result in a dense cake.
2. Measure carefully: Baking is an exact science, and measurements need to be precise for the recipe to turn out perfectly every time. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate measurements.
3. Mix the batter until just combined: Over-mixing can cause the cake to be tough and dry. Mix the batter until all ingredients are just combined and then stop mixing.
4. Grease your pan thoroughly: A well-greased pan will ensure that the cake does not stick to the sides or bottom of the pan while baking.
5. Watch your oven temperature: Make sure your oven has reached the correct temperature before placing your cake inside it. And keep an eye on it during baking; all ovens have their quirks, so check your cake’s progress frequently.
6. Give it time: After you’ve taken your Imbolc butter cake out of the oven, let it cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Store properly: Store leftovers of this rich, decadent treat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Follow these tips and your Imbolc butter cake will be nothing but perfection itself!
FAQ
As a baker, I’ve made this Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe more times than I can count. However, there are always questions that come up about baking techniques or ingredient substitutions. In this section, I’ll take you through some of the most commonly asked questions about this cake recipe and discuss some helpful tips to ensure your baking success. So let’s jump right in!
What is gooey butter cake made of?
Originating from the city of St. Louis in Missouri, Gooey Butter Cake is a type of cake that is known for its dense, flat appearance. This cake is usually made up of wheat cake flour, sugar, butter, and eggs and is usually topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
What is Ukrainian cake made of?
This delightful cake is composed of two airy layers of meringue, each delicately flavored with sugar and hazelnuts, and fortified with a touch of flour. Between the layers lies a velvety Charlotte cream, surrounded by a luscious chocolate buttercream. The crowning glory on top of the cake is a generous sprinkling of meringue crumbs, playfully adorned with buttercream blossoms.
Why is it called Gooey Butter Cake?
As a baker, I learned that sometimes mistakes can lead to great creations. One such example is the gooey butter cake, which was accidentally made by using more butter than flour in the recipe. This resulted in a cake that spread out over the pan and had a melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor. Instead of throwing it away, the baker, named Hoffman, decided to sell it and it became a hit. He continued to make the gooey butter cake, and soon it became a popular item in bakeries all over St.
What is the difference between butter cake and pound cake?
Creamed cakes, commonly known as butter cakes, possess a fluffier and more voluminous texture as compared to denser pound cakes. The latter type of cake gets its name from the traditional recipe which calls for a pound of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour each.
Bottom Line
Imbolc is a special time to celebrate the return of light and the promise of spring. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, share food, and make merry. And what better way to celebrate this ancient festival than with a delicious Imbolc Butter Cake?
This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. With its rich buttery flavor and fluffy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s perfect for celebrating Imbolc or any other occasion, look no further than this Imbolc Butter Cake recipe.
Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try? Gather your friends and family around the table to savor this delicious cake, and bask in the warmth of Brigid’s blessings. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of the magic and wonder of Imbolc.
So go ahead – celebrate this special time with decadent desserts like this one, and create new memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Imbolc!
Imbolc Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces poundcake mix
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Combine cake mix, melted butter and 2 eggs with a fork till moist.
- Pat the mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan and slightly up the sides for crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together for 3 minutes with an electric mixer on high.
- Turn to low and add remaining eggs and vanilla.
- Mix well.
- Pour over crust and bake 35 to 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powered sugar.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.