Hello, cake lovers! If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your baking repertoire, this Hibiscus Bliss Cake is a must-try. With a natural pink hue, delicate hibiscus flavor, and a creamy frosting, it’s both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Let’s dive into this floral-inspired treat!
Introduction
The Hibiscus Bliss Cake brings together the floral notes of hibiscus with a tender, moist crumb, making it an exquisite dessert for any occasion. Hibiscus, known for its vibrant color and subtle tartness, adds a beautiful flavor dimension to this cake. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, this cake is sure to be a conversation starter.
Ingredients
To create this elegant Hibiscus Bliss Cake, you’ll need:
Cake Ingredients
- Whole Wheat or Plain White Flour: 1 and 1/2 cup
- Dried Hibiscus Flower Powder: 1/4 cup (plus 1 teaspoon for frosting)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Eggs: 3 medium
- Milk: 3/4 cup
- Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Honey or Light Unrefined Muscovado Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
Frosting Ingredients
- Mascarpone or Soft Cream Cheese: 250 grams
- Agave or Maple Syrup: 1/3 cup
- Double Cream: 180 ml
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
The combination of whole wheat or plain flour, dried hibiscus, and a hint of vanilla gives this cake a balanced flavor and natural beauty.
How to Make Hibiscus Bliss Cake
Follow these steps to create your own Hibiscus Bliss Cake:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) and prepare a baking tin by lining it with parchment paper.
- Hibiscus Touch: If starting with whole dried hibiscus flowers, grind them into a fine powder. This hibiscus powder infuses the cake with a gentle pink color and unique flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, hibiscus powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the flavors and a uniform texture.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness, while the honey or muscovado sugar enhances the natural flavors.
- Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing only until the batter is smooth. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so fold gently.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it after 20 minutes.
- Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Whip the double cream to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, fold in the mascarpone or cream cheese, vanilla extract, agave or maple syrup, and a teaspoon of hibiscus powder. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a smooth, fluffy frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Generously spread the frosting over the cooled cake, adding swirls and a light dusting of hibiscus powder for extra color.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, increase the honey or muscovado sugar slightly.
- Color Boost: For a more vibrant pink hue, add a tiny bit more hibiscus powder to the batter.
- Soft, Moist Texture: Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness; feel free to substitute with full-fat yogurt if preferred.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few additional tips for making the best Hibiscus Bliss Cake:
- Substitute Cream Cheese: If mascarpone isn’t available, soft cream cheese works just as well for a creamy, tangy frosting.
- Extra Floral Flavor: Add a few edible flowers as decoration for an elegant finish.
- Uniform Hibiscus Powder: If you grind your own hibiscus powder, sieve it to remove any coarse bits for a smoother texture in the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with fresh berries, a light dusting of hibiscus powder, or a drizzle of honey for added elegance. Hibiscus Bliss Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of herbal tea, enhancing the floral notes in the cake. This dessert is perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or as a unique offering at a special occasion.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of this Hibiscus Bliss Cake:
- Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, providing a touch of healthiness to the treat.
- Greek yogurt and eggs add protein, contributing to the cake’s satisfying texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 2%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 5%
This cake offers a nice balance of carbs, fats, and protein with a boost of antioxidants from hibiscus.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of powder?
Yes, fresh hibiscus can be dried and ground into powder, but it will require extra preparation time. Dried hibiscus powder offers convenience and consistent flavor.
What’s the best substitute for mascarpone in the frosting?
Soft cream cheese works as a great alternative, bringing a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the frosting.
How can I make the cake dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese. Coconut cream can be substituted for double cream in the frosting.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
- Lavender Honey Cupcakes
- Rose-Infused Vanilla Cake
- Lemon Hibiscus Tea Cake
- Floral Berry Tart with Hibiscus Glaze
Conclusion
And there you have it—the delightful Hibiscus Bliss Cake! This cake combines floral notes, a hint of tang, and creamy frosting to create a beautiful and unique dessert. Perfect for special gatherings or as an elegant treat, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious, floral-inspired bite!