Cake is perhaps one of the ancient delicacies that has been time-tested, evolved into various avatars over many generations and is yet a most preferred and sold food item across the world. Be it a birthday or a wedding anniversary, good or bad mood – all we need is a piece of cake to uplift the mood and to bring in that instant cheer.

Cake is in fact nothing, but a dessert often made from all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, fruit essences and baked to perfection. This super yummy baked batter also has different names like pastry, cheesecake, tea cake etc and has gained popularity among the home bakers in the last few years – all thanks to the growing exposure to world cuisine.

The lockdown which was imposed in March 2020 is still partially continuing in various parts of India and getting cooped up in houses for many months has taught us several important lessons. While many of us got used to the habit of eating healthy homemade food, we also learnt how pivotal it is to practice sustainable measures for a better tomorrow.

Also Read: World Food Day 2020: Sustainable Cooking And Eating Practices For Healthy Living

While stocking upon the groceries topped the priority list, do you know what garnered the interest of people in the recent months? According to a report published by the Mint, OTGs or (Oven, Toast and Grill) and other food prep home appliances witnessed a steep surge in the last few months, with people trying their hand at baking. Baking has become a household favourite pastime, artwork of sorts and is even turning into a business venture among homemakers.

Believe it or not, baking is therapeutic, provides instant relaxation and can keep you occupied with great productivity. As we mentioned, there are many types of cakes but those topped with droolworthy frostings – also known as pastry cakes remain the all-time favourite among all age groups.

Well, chefs differ on the definition of cake and a pastry, depending on the ingredients. Cake is usually made from flour, butter and sugar while pastry is a dough made from flour and cold butter and is often used as a pie base.

Also Read: Merry Christmas! Try These Nutty, Fruity Cake Recipes

Just like cakes, pastries are also of different types – Puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, sweet shortcrust pastry, phyllo pastry, rough puff pastry, choux pastry etc.

Nevertheless, any cake that is topped with spoon-licking, soft frosting is referred as pastry cake and in this article,, we bring you super delicious eggless pastry cake, which can be whipped and baked in a jiffy.

Eggless Vanilla Sponge Cake With Strawberry Topping

Dry Ingredients:

200 grams maida / all Purpose Flour

1 cup refined Sugar

1 cup fresh curd

100 ml refined oil

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

½ tsp vanilla extract

Cold milk as per requirement

For The Frosting:

100 grams softened unsalted butter

75 grams icing sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Freshly cut strawberries

Method:

Preheat the oven at 180 degrees

In a bowl, add oil, curd, sugar and vanilla extract and give it a good mix

Place a sieve on top of the bowl and swift all-purpose flour, baking powder and baking soda together

Give it a stir. If the mixture is thick, add some milk to get the right consistency

Bake it in the pre-heated oven for 35 to 40 minutes

To check if it is completely baked, run a wooden skewer into the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is completely baked

Let it cool completely.

Frosting Recipe:

In a bowl, add softened butter, icing sugar and vanilla extract

Mix it with a beater till it turns fluffy. Add little bit of milk if required

Make sure it turns fluffy, airy and thick

You can apply it evenly on the cake with a spatula or can design it with the help of piping bags and nozzles

Place freshly cut strawberries to balance the flavours and also as a garnish

Serve cold

Nutrition:

Sugar when taken in right amounts provides instant energy and a rich source of carbohydrates. Vanilla being low on saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium can be relished by heart patients too. Butter though a high calorie food is a rich source of Vitamins A, D, E, B12 and K. Enjoy this pastry cake in moderate amounts on a lazy evening with friends and family.

No-Bake Chocolate Pastry Cake

Ingredients:

1 packet Marie biscuits

½ cup melted butter

200 ml heavy cream

100 grams powdered sugar

100 ml refined oil

½ cup melted chocolate

For Frosting

200 ml condensed milk

100 grams cocoa powder

1 tsp pineapple or vanilla essence

Method:

In a plastic, zip lock cover put all the biscuits and smash it into powder with the help of a rolling pin

In a bowl, mix biscuit powder and melted butter

Take a greased cake tin, press this powder at the base and spread it evenly. Put it in freezer for 30 minutes

In a bowl, mix heavy cream, powdered sugar, melted chocolate and oil

Pour it on frozen biscuit and butter mixture and refrigerate it for 2 hours or until set

For Frosting:

Once firmly set, prepare for frosting. Add whipped cream, cocoa powder and pineapple or vanilla essence to a bowl

Give it a good mix with beater till it turns fluffy

Spread it evenly on the cake, top it with fresh cherries and freeze it for at least 30 minutes before serving

Nutrition:

Chocolate is a powerhouse of antioxidants and regular intake of cocoa aids in maintaining blood pressure. Heavy cream is a rich source of Vitamins A, D, E and calcium, however if you are battling high cholesterol, eat it in moderation. Condensed milk is rich in protein and fat while cherries are a superfood that can help you in dealing with insomnia, soothe joint pain and burn belly fat. This guilt-free indulgence can be relished by all age groups.