In a flash, another cake-mixing season is here, and many restaurants, bakeries and dessert hubs have started hosting their cake-blending ceremonies for the year. Many netizens have also started doing their own homely mini cake-mixing ceremonies to make the most of the festival season and its flavour. However, imitating the promotional events at eateries, people can be seen adding tremendous amounts of liquor, sugar and dry fruits into their mixes, in the videos and photos they post on social media. It can be a fun activity, but adding copious amounts of these high-calorie ingredients isn't healthy if you don't want the celebration to ruin your health. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you mix your cake at home to prepare a healthy blend.
1) Don't overdo ingredients just for aesthetics
Yes, adding extra dry fruits, alcohol, or spices can look colourful in your photos or videos, but if you don't get the mix right, your cakes can be inedible. Take into account the level of sweetness or spiciness your family prefers in the cake to decide the quantity. Generally, for a family of five, about 1 to 1.5 cups of chopped almonds or walnuts and 1/4 cup of rum or brandy can be enough to get the right flavour. Similarly, around 1 cup of dried and fresh fruits should be the right amount for sweetness and moisture. Adjust these measures according to your tastes.
2) Limit processed ingredients
As much as possible, make your own sweeteners or use natural ones like maple syrup, honey, or apple puree to add sweetness to the cake. Store-bought spices can also be eliminated if you can source fresh, healthy spices from your neighbourhood. They can infuse your cakes with that extra strong, fresh, and earthy flavour. Also, incorporate whole fruits wherever possible.
3) Mind your mixing technique
Depending on the cake you are planning to make, be ensured that you are not randomly stirring but folding and mixing the ingredients mindfully to make light, fluffy cakes. Also, use fresh and clean spatulas, wooden spoons and ladles to combine the ingredients right. Keep the right mixing order also in mind to ensure even distribution and avoid overmixing.
