FoodDiscover the joy of festive cinnamon cake this holiday season

Discover the joy of festive cinnamon cake this holiday season

Gingerbread is a cake with a strong, spicy aroma, rich in spices. While it has its dedicated fans, it also has some detractors. For those who prefer a milder option, we have a recipe for a lighter cake with a delightful hint of cinnamon, making it perfect for both the pre-holiday and holiday seasons.

Cinnamon cake is more delicate than gingerbread.
Cinnamon cake is more delicate than gingerbread.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Zbigniew Lewczak

What do the holidays smell like? Among this season's characteristic scents are undoubtedly the Christmas tree's fragrance and the aromas of holiday cooking. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom frequently come to mind. They instantly evoke thoughts of gingerbread, which is one of the most festive cakes.

Too much of a good thing..

The abundance of spices in gingerbread might not appeal to everyone. However, you don't need to completely abandon the spicy aroma. You can focus on one particular spice, specifically cinnamon. While cinnamon isn’t necessarily mild, without other supporting spices, its character is considerably lighter.

Not just vitamins

Cinnamon is recognized as one of the oldest spices used in both cooking and traditional medicine. It offers valuable vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, the B group, potassium, magnesium, and iron, which support various bodily functions. Cinnamon's antimicrobial properties help prevent infections, and its bioactive components bolster the immune system. Cinnamon cake is simple to prepare, making it a great treat not just for the holidays, but for the pre-holiday season as well.

Cinnamon Cake

Ingredients:

                  
  • 5 oz ground nuts, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, or a mix
  • 1.75 oz all-purpose flour
  • 1.75 oz sugar
  • 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • Cranberries, dried apricots, or raisins to taste

Instructions:

  1. Separate the yolks from the whites, place the whites in a bowl, and add sugar.
  2. Beat the mixture at medium speed until it doubles in volume.
  3. Reduce the mixer speed and add the yolks one by one.
  4. Add the sifted dry ingredients and ground nuts, then mix well. Finally, add your choice of dried fruits and mix again.
  5. Pour the cinnamon cake batter into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake in an oven preheated to 338 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes.
  7. Once cooled, decorate with chocolate or powdered sugar if desired.

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