Water Cake Recipe: A Simple and Delightful Dessert
The Water Cake, or Torta all’Acqua, is a light, fluffy dessert that’s easy to prepare with a handful of basic ingredients. This Italian cake is known for its moist texture and subtle vanilla flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions, and can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how you can create this simple yet delicious cake.
Ingredients for Water Cake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 330g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300g |
| Sugar | 200g |
| Baking powder for cakes | 16g |
| Vegetable oil (seed oil) | 90g |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
Instructions for Making the Water Cake:
Step 1: Prepping the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting the all-purpose flour and baking powder into a large bowl. This is crucial to avoid any lumps in the cake batter. Sifting also ensures a light and fluffy texture for your cake. Once sifted, gently whisk the flour and baking powder together to combine them thoroughly.
Step 2: Flavoring the Cake
Take your vanilla pod and slice it lengthwise using a sharp knife. With the back of the knife, scrape out the tiny vanilla seeds from inside the pod. These seeds are packed with flavor, so be sure to use them all. Add these vanilla seeds to a separate bowl containing the water and sugar. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the sugar and distribute the vanilla evenly.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the vegetable oil into the water-sugar-vanilla mixture. This oil helps create the tender texture of the cake, and its mild flavor won’t overpower the vanilla. Whisk everything together until the oil is fully incorporated into the liquid mixture.
Step 4: Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s best to do this slowly, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuously mixing. Use a whisk or a spatula to combine the flour and liquid gently, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 5: Preparing the Baking Pan
For this recipe, you’ll need a 24 cm (about 9-inch) round cake pan. Grease the pan with a light coating of vegetable oil and lightly dust it with flour, or use parchment paper to line the base for easier removal of the cake once baked. If you want an extra golden crust, you can sprinkle a little sugar on top of the greased pan.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into the pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring it fills the pan completely. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch. If you prefer, you can add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh fruit on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy Your Water Cake!
Now that your Water Cake is ready, it’s time to slice and enjoy. This simple cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, or it can be served as a light dessert after a family meal. Its subtle sweetness and fluffy texture make it a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with family and friends, this cake is sure to impress. Its versatility also makes it perfect for adding your own personal twist. You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon, or even fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious treat that everyone will love, give this Water Cake a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
