Swicy Baking: Sweet-Heat Trend
A delightful fusion dessert, this citrus cake features a subtle tang perfectly complemented by a warm, gentle chili-honey glaze. It's a surprising yet harmonious blend of sweet and spicy, embodying the 'swicy' trend.
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 120 ml buttermilk
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 60 ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100 ml honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes or to taste
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add vegetable oil, buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no lumps remain. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the chili-honey glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until well combined. Do not boil. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes off heat.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cool, strain the chili flakes from the glaze if desired (or leave them for visual appeal). Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a stronger kick, increase the chili in the glaze. You can substitute orange zest and juice for lemon. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before glazing for the best finish. Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream to balance the heat.