Chili Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Spicy cakes are nothing new, but adding chili to a sweet cake is a more recent trend, influenced by cuisines from around the world, particularly from Latin America and Southeast Asia. This chili cake draws inspiration from the spicy desserts of Mexico and Creole influences, where chili is often paired with sweets to create interesting flavor contrasts.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g of flour
• 150 g of sugar
• 100 g of melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust according to spice tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, chili, cinnamon, and cocoa powder (if used). Mix well.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Incorporate well.
5. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
6. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan and serving. You can decorate with powdered sugar or grated chocolate.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Choice of chili: If you prefer a milder cake, reduce the amount of chili. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, opt for a hotter chili like cayenne pepper.
• Enhancing the flavor: Add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing contrast to the heat.
• Lighter texture: If you want a fluffier cake, you can replace some of the butter with coconut oil or yogurt.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Chili and Chocolate Cake: Add dark chocolate chips to the batter for a richer taste.
• Chili and Fruit Cake: Incorporate pieces of fresh fruit, such as pear or mango, to mellow out the spiciness.
• Chili and Caramel Cake: Serve with a spicy caramel sauce for an extra delicious touch.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the Chili Cake takes about 30 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors creates a delightful contrast in every bite, perfect for those seeking a twist on traditional desserts.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This chili cake pairs wonderfully with sweet and spicy drinks like chai latte or cinnamon tea. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the heat.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve this Chili cake with fresh fruit, like orange slices or berries, or a light layer of whipped cream to soften the heat. You can also dust it with a bit of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Chili contains capsaicin, a compound that can stimulate blood circulation and has beneficial effects on metabolism. It’s also known for its antioxidant properties. Additionally, spices like cinnamon and cocoa add extra health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects.