Anne of Cleves cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests with its taste and presentation. Named after Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII, this cake is as regal as its namesake. With a moist and fluffy texture, and a rich flavor profile, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we will share the best and easiest recipe for Anne of Cleves cake, along with some tips and tricks to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 4 eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
4. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
5. Decorate as desired with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit.
Now, let’s move on to some commonly asked questions about Anne of Cleves cake:
Q1. Can I replace buttermilk with regular milk in this recipe?
A1. Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with an equal amount of regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Q2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A2. It is recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cake. However, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
Q3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A3. You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for substitution ratios.
Q4. Can I freeze the cake?
A4. Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Q5. Can I use a different size of baking pan?
A5. Yes, you can use a different size of pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and check the doneness of the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center.
Q6. How long will the cake stay fresh?
A6. When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Q7. Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
A7. Absolutely! While the provided frosting recipe complements the cake well, you can use your favorite frosting recipe or experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
Now that you have the best and easiest recipe for Anne of Cleves cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking. Enjoy this delicious treat fit for a queen!