Anne Of Cleves Cake Recipe
Anne of Cleves, also known as Anne of Denmark or Anne of Cleves and Jülich, was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. She is often remembered for being the only one of his wives to escape unscathed from their tumultuous marriage.
Despite their brief union, she has become a popular figure in history due to her resilience and strength in the face of adversity. In honor of her 500th birth anniversary, a cake was created to celebrate her life and legacy, known as the Anne of Cleves Cake.
Inspired by her love for chocolate and coffee, this delicious cake is a fitting tribute to the queen who survived a marriage with King Henry VIII.
This easy-to-make cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and learning about a remarkable historical figure at the same time. Just follow this article for step-by-step instructions on how to make this delectable dessert. So, let’s get started!
What is Anne of Cleves Cake?
The Anne of Cleves Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake that pays homage to Queen Anne of Cleves. It is believed that she loved chocolate and coffee, which inspired the ingredients used in this.
The cake consists of layers of fluffy sponge cake infused with hot coffee, topped with a light frosting made from cocoa powder and brown sugar. It’s a perfect combination of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
But beyond its delicious taste, the Anne of Cleves Cake holds a deeper meaning. It celebrates the strength and resilience of a woman who overcame adversity and maintained her grace and poise in the face of challenges.
This cake not only satisfies your cravings, but it also serves as a reminder to never give up in the face of difficulty. So, let’s learn how to make it!
Why You’ll Love this Anne of Cleves Cake?
Ingredients
- Eggs: This calls for 6 eggs, which helps to create a moist and fluffy texture in the cake.
- Vegetable Oil: The use of vegetable oil instead of butter in this recipe creates a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Hot Coffee: Adding hot coffee to your cake batter may seem unconventional, but it adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work together to give the cake a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to enhance the flavors in the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor that pairs well with chocolate, giving this cake a delicious aroma.
- Brown Sugar: The use of brown sugar adds a slight caramel flavor and helps to keep the cake moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Adding butter to the batter adds a rich and creamy texture to the cake.
- Milk: The use of milk also contributes to the moistness of the cake.
- Cocoa Powder: This is what gives this cake its rich chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A versatile flour that creates a tender crumb in the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the cake.
- Sour Cream: Adding sour cream helps to keep the cake moist and tender.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, vegetable oil, hot coffee, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, brown sugar, unsalted butter, milk, cocoa powder and all-purpose flour.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
Step 3
Pour the batter into the Cake Pan
- Pour the cake batter into your prepared cake pan.
- Smooth out the top with a spatula if necessary.
Step 4
Bake the Cake
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5
Cooling Time
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6
Garnish & Serve
- Once the cake has cooled, you can add your preferred toppings or leave it as is and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Tips
- To make the cake extra rich, you can use brewed coffee instead of water when preparing the hot coffee for the batter.
- You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth and even mixture.
- For a more indulgent treat, you can also drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top of the cake before serving.
Nutrition Information
How to store Anne of Cleves Cake?
Once you’ve finished enjoying your delicious Anne of Cleves Cake, you may be wondering how to store any leftovers. The good news is that this cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want it to last longer, you can also store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Before serving, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can also freeze slices of this cake for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying them.
What other substitute can I use in Anne of Cleves Cake?
Here are a few substitutes you can use in this if you don’t have the listed ingredients on hand:
- Instead of hot coffee, you can use hot water mixed with instant coffee granules.
- If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate instead. Just reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
- To make a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk and vegan butter instead of regular milk and butter.
- For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be slightly different.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information and tips on how to make Anne of Cleves Cake, it’s time to get baking! This delicious and easy chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with your friends and family.
So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this decadent treat straight from the Tudor era. I hope you have fun making this cake and that it becomes a new favorite in your household.
Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your friends and family to spread the joy of baking.
Anne Of Cleves Cake Recipe
Description
Anne of Cleves, also known as Anne of Denmark or Anne of Cleves and Jülich, was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. She is often remembered for being the only one of his wives to escape unscathed from their tumultuous marriage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Instructions
-
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to properly grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
In a bowl, combine the essential ingredients that will bring this Anne of Cleves Cake to life. This includes eggs, vegetable oil, hot coffee (yes, you read that right!), baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, brown sugar, unsalted butter, milk, cocoa powder, and all-purpose flour. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
-
Carefully pour your cake batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to even out the top if necessary.
-
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be taken out of the oven.
-
Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time for the fun part – garnishing and serving! Add your desired toppings or simply enjoy the rich flavors of this delicious treat as is. For an extra touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use an 8-inch or 10-inch cake pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Yes, you can replace each egg with half of a mashed banana or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different.
Yes, just make sure to mix it with hot water according to the package's instructions before adding it to the batter.
Yes, but omit the baking powder, baking soda, and salt from the recipe as self-rising flour already contains them.
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two 9-inch pans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
You may also like...
