π°ππ° Apricot and Hazelnut Bran Cake π°ππ°
What is it?
The Apricot and Hazelnut Bran Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet and slightly tangy flavors of apricots with the nutty richness of hazelnuts, all in a moist and wholesome bran cake. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for tea time or as a healthy dessert option.
History:
The exact origin of this specific cake isn’t well-documented, but bran cakes in various forms have been enjoyed for centuries. Bran, the outer layer of cereal grains, has been used in baking to add fiber and texture to cakes and bread. The addition of apricots and hazelnuts likely reflects the creativity of home bakers looking to elevate a traditional bran cake recipe.
Components:
- 1 cup of dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup of hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups of bran
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of buttermilk
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the bran, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Fold in Apricots and Hazelnuts: Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots and hazelnuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or enjoy it as is!
Time Needed:
- Preparation: Approximately 20-25 minutes
- Baking: 30-40 minutes
- Cooling: About 1 hour
So, in total, you’ll need around 2 hours from start to finish to prepare this delightful Apricot and Hazelnut Bran Cake. It’s a wonderful way to indulge in a tasty treat with a touch of wholesome goodness. π°ππ° Enjoy!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apricot and Hazelnut Bran Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 12 slices per cake)
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 200-300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 15-18g
- Protein: 4-5g
Health Information:
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Fiber-Rich: This cake contains bran, which is a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer.
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Good Source of Healthy Fats: Hazelnuts provide healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as various minerals like potassium. These contribute to overall health and immune support.
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Moderation is Key: While this cake can be a nutritious treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content.
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Balance with a Healthy Diet: Enjoy this cake as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure you’re meeting all your nutritional needs.
Remember that the exact nutrition content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your recipe.
