Sri Lankan Love Cake

Sri Lankan Love Cake Recipe - Delicious Cake Made with Semolina and Cashews

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Servings: 12

Introduction

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a traditional dessert that is popular in Sri Lanka. It is a rich and decadent cake that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. This cake is made with a unique combination of ingredients that give it a distinct flavor and texture.

History

The origins of Sri Lankan Love Cake can be traced back to the Portuguese colonial period in Sri Lanka. It is believed that the recipe was brought to the island by Portuguese settlers and has since been adapted to suit local tastes. The cake is traditionally made during festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and religious celebrations.

Ingredients

7 eggs, separated
500 g caster sugar
250 g semolina
375 g raw cashews, finely chopped
2 tsp rose water
2 tsp honey
0.5 tsp finely grated lemon rind
0.5 tsp ground mace/nutmeg
0.5 tsp ground cardamom
0.5 tsp almond essence (optional)

How to prepare

Grease and line a 20 cm square tin with two layers of grease-proof paper.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar until they become light and creamy.
Stir in all the remaining ingredients except for the egg whites.
Beat the egg whites until they form firm peaks. Mix them with the rest of the ingredients and pour the mixture into the tin.
Bake at 150°C for one hour. The cake should have an even golden brown color on top and feel firm to the touch. If the top becomes too brown too quickly, cover it with greased paper or foil. The center of the cake will remain moist, so the skewer test should not be used.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin. Do not attempt to remove the cake from the tin while it is still warm.
Cut the cake into pieces while it is still in the tin, then remove the pieces.

Variations

Add a handful of raisins or dried fruits for a sweeter and more flavorful cake.
Substitute the cashews with almonds or pistachios for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are light and creamy to ensure a fluffy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the egg whites are added to maintain the cake's light and airy consistency.

- It is important to let the cake cool completely in the tin before cutting it into pieces to prevent it from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Sri Lankan Love Cake can be served with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond extract instead of almond essence for a stronger almond flavor.

- Substitute semolina with almond flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Make Ahead Tips

Sri Lankan Love Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sri Lankan Love Cake on a decorative platter garnished with edible flowers or powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sri Lankan Love Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Sri Lankan Love Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sri Lankan Love Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sri Lankan Love Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sri Lankan Love Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sri Lankan Love Cake contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Sri Lankan Love Cake contains eggs and nuts. It may also contain traces of gluten.

Summary

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With its unique combination of ingredients and rich flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Sri Lankan Love Cake. It was many years ago, during a trip to Sri Lanka with my dear friend, Indira. We were wandering through the bustling markets of Colombo, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the vibrant city. As we browsed through the stalls filled with colorful spices and fresh produce, a sweet, intoxicating aroma caught my attention.

I followed the scent to a small bakery tucked away in a corner of the market. The baker, a kind and elderly man, greeted us with a warm smile and offered us a slice of a cake unlike any I had ever tasted before. It was a rich, decadent dessert, infused with fragrant spices and studded with nuts and dried fruits. The flavors danced on my tongue, leaving me craving more.

I turned to the baker and asked him about the cake, eager to learn its secrets. He chuckled softly and told me that it was a traditional Sri Lankan Love Cake, a recipe passed down through generations in his family. He graciously offered to share the recipe with me, sensing my genuine interest and passion for cooking.

With a twinkle in his eye, the baker began to recount the story behind the Love Cake. He explained that it was a special dessert, often made to celebrate love and affection between friends and family. The cake was believed to have magical properties, capable of bringing people closer together and fostering deep connections.

I listened intently as the baker shared the ingredients and instructions for making the Love Cake. He spoke of semolina and cashew nuts, of fragrant cardamom and nutmeg, of sweet rosewater and honey. Each ingredient was carefully selected for its symbolic meaning and its ability to evoke feelings of love and warmth.

I returned home from my trip to Sri Lanka with a heart full of memories and a mind buzzing with inspiration. I couldn't wait to recreate the Love Cake in my own kitchen, to share its magic with my loved ones and spread joy through its delicious flavors.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe for Sri Lankan Love Cake, adding my own twist to the traditional flavors and techniques. I have shared it with friends and family, watching their faces light up with delight as they take their first bite. The Love Cake has become a staple in my household, a symbol of love and togetherness that brings us closer with each slice.

As I write this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the recipe for Sri Lankan Love Cake. It has brought me joy and connection, reminding me of the power of food to create lasting memories and forge deep bonds between people.

I hope that you, dear reader, will be inspired to try making the Love Cake yourself. Let its flavors transport you to the bustling markets of Colombo, to the warm embrace of a kind baker sharing his family's cherished recipe. May it bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your heart with love and sweetness.