Benjamina Ebuehi’s Chamomile Cake with Honey Crème Fraîche
A soothing blend of floral notes and velvety topping brings elegance to every celebration.
Introduction to Chamomile Cake with Honey Crème Fraîche
Benjamina Ebuehi’s Chamomile Cake with Honey Crème Fraîche is a delightful dessert that combines the soothing flavors of chamomile with the sweetness of honey, making it an ideal choice for special occasions like Mother’s Day brunch. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate floral notes in their desserts without an overpowering sweetness.
Ingredients for the Cake
To prepare this enchanting cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
- 5 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers or 6 tea bags, plus more to decorate
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup superfine/caster sugar
- 2 eggs
Ingredients for the Honey Crème Fraîche
The crème fraîche frosting is made with:
- ¾ cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions for Preparing the Cake
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the chamomile cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two round 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Steep the Chamomile Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk, chamomile, and vanilla over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the milk is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep and cool for 20 minutes. Strain the flowers or discard the tea bags once cooled.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Using a stand mixer or electric whisk, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add half of the flour mixture and beat briefly until just combined. Pour in the chamomile milk, followed by the rest of the flour mixture, and beat for a few seconds until smooth.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Honey Crème Fraîche
To make the crème fraîche frosting:
- Whisk the Crème Fraîche and Honey: In a bowl, whisk the crème fraîche and honey together for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly to soft peaks.
Assembling the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool:
- Sandwich the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of the crème fraîche mixture on top.
- Finish with a Top Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and cover with a thicker layer of crème fraîche.
- Decorate: Sprinkle dried chamomile flowers over the top for a beautiful and delicate finish.
Variations and Suggestions
For a different twist, you might consider using other floral teas like lavender or earl grey instead of chamomile. This can add a unique flavor dimension to your cake. Additionally, you can use yellow food coloring to give the cake a vibrant yellow hue if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chamomile tea bags instead of dried chamomile flowers?
Yes, you can use chamomile tea bags as an alternative. Simply steep 6 tea bags in the milk instead of using dried flowers.
Q: How can I ensure the crème fraîche thickens properly?
To ensure the crème fraîche thickens, whisk it gently for a minute or until it reaches soft peaks. Refrigerating it for about 30 minutes before use can also help it to set better.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble the cake just before serving, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. The crème fraîche frosting is best prepared just before use.
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Conclusion
Benjamina Ebuehi’s Chamomile Cake with Honey Crème Fraîche is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress with its delicate floral flavors and sweet, soothing crème fraîche. It’s perfect for any occasion where you want to highlight the beauty of nature’s ingredients in your cooking.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a36302349/benjamina-ebuehi-chamomile-cake-with-honey-creme-fraiche-recipe/
- http://allthatsleftarethecrumbs.blogspot.com/2020/05/chamomile-cake-with-honey-creme-fraiche.html
- https://dinedreamdiscover.com/chamomile-cake-with-honey-creme-fraiche-a-recipe-by-benjamina-ebuehi/
- https://benjaminaebuehi.substack.com
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