Tiger cake Tiikerikakku

Tiger Cake Tiikerikakku Recipe from Finland - Ingredients include Margarine, Sugar, Eggs, Flour, Vanilla, Baking Powder, Milk, and Cocoa

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Tiger cake, also known as Tiikerikakku in Finnish, is a delicious and visually striking dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This marbled cake features a combination of vanilla and chocolate flavors, creating a beautiful tiger-stripe pattern that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of Tiger cake are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Finland. This popular dessert has become a staple in Finnish households and is often served at special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.

Ingredients

200 g of margarine
2 dcl of sugar
3 eggs
3 dcl of flour
2 tsp of vanilla sugar
2 tsp of baking powder
3 tbsp of milk
2-3 tbsp of cocoa

How to prepare

Carefully grease and dust a cake tin with flour. Cream together the fat and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, combine the baking powder and vanilla sugar with the flour, then slowly incorporate it into the mixture. Transfer one-third of the batter to another bowl and add 2-3 tbsp of sifted cocoa powder and 3 tbsp of milk.
Layer the mixture in the prepared cake tin, starting and ending with the plain batter. Bake at 175°C for 50–60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the chocolate batter for a hint of warmth and spice.
Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or Nutella for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a moist and tender cake.

- Gradually add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter.

- When layering the vanilla and chocolate batters in the cake tin, be sure to start and end with the plain batter to create the tiger-stripe effect.

- Bake the cake at 175°C for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Tiger cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy to create a tender crumb.

- Gradually add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Almond or soy milk can be used in place of cow's milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Tiger cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tiger cake on a decorative cake stand and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

Tiger cake pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tiger cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tiger cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tiger cake contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tiger cake contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tiger cake contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tiger cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Tiger cake contains eggs, milk, and wheat flour. It may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Tiger cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Tiger cake is a delicious and visually striking dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its marbled vanilla and chocolate flavors, this Finnish classic is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Elina in her cozy cottage by the lake. We spent the afternoon picking berries and chatting about our favorite recipes. Elina mentioned a cake that she had recently tried called Tiikerikakku, which translates to Tiger cake in English. She described it as a moist and flavorful cake with a marbled pattern that resembled a tiger's stripes.

Intrigued by her description, I asked Elina if she had the recipe for Tiikerikakku. She smiled and pulled out an old, weathered notebook from her kitchen drawer. As she flipped through the pages, she explained that the recipe had been passed down in her family for generations. Each woman added their own twist to the recipe, making it unique to their family.

Elina handed me the notebook, and I eagerly copied down the ingredients and instructions for Tiikerikakku. I could hardly contain my excitement to try making this cake for my family back home. As I bid farewell to Elina and her picturesque cottage, I promised to share the results of my baking experiment with her soon.

Back at home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients for Tiikerikakku. The recipe called for flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and cocoa powder. I meticulously followed the instructions, mixing the batter until it was smooth and lump-free. I then divided the batter in half, adding cocoa powder to one half to create the dark stripes of the tiger pattern.

Carefully pouring the batters into a greased cake pan, I used a knife to swirl the two colors together, creating a beautiful marbled effect. As the cake baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the warm and inviting aroma of chocolate and vanilla.

When the timer dinged, I eagerly pulled the Tiikerikakku out of the oven. The cake had risen perfectly, with the marbled pattern holding its shape beautifully. I let it cool before slicing into it, revealing the intricate tiger stripes inside.

The first bite of Tiikerikakku was pure bliss. The cake was moist and tender, with a rich chocolate flavor that balanced perfectly with the vanilla swirls. I could see why this recipe had been cherished by Elina's family for so many years.

I packaged up a slice of the Tiikerikakku and drove back to Elina's cottage to share my creation with her. She was delighted to see the cake and eagerly took a bite, savoring the flavors that she had grown up with. We spent the afternoon reminiscing about our shared love of baking and exchanging stories of our favorite recipes.

From that day on, Tiikerikakku became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from those who tried it. The recipe had become more than just a dessert; it was a symbol of the friendship and shared traditions that Elina and I had forged that summer day.

As I sit here now, flipping through my own weathered notebook of recipes, I can't help but smile at the memory of discovering Tiikerikakku for the first time. It reminds me of the joy that baking has brought into my life and the connections that I have made through food. And as I pass down this recipe to future generations, I know that the legacy of Tiikerikakku will live on, just as it has in Elina's family for centuries.