Imagine a dessert that's more than just a treat—it's a vibrant celebration of life, tradition, and remembrance. Our Dia de los Muertos Sweet Life Bake is not just a cake; it's a culinary canvas that captures the essence of Mexican cultural heritage, transforming simple ingredients into a masterpiece that honors loved ones who have passed. With its delicate crumb, subtle sweetness, and powdered sugar decoration reminiscent of sugar skulls, this recipe is your ticket to experiencing the profound beauty of a celebration that embraces life through the memory of those we cherish.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes, creating a smooth and pale mixture.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing gently to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, creating a beautiful, festive appearance reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos sugar skulls.
- Slice into 12 equal portions and serve. This cake can be enjoyed at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with hot coffee or Mexican hot chocolate.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Sifting is Crucial: Take extra time to sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a more uniform cake.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and light.
- Oven Positioning: Place the cake in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
- Cooling Technique: Let the cake cool in the pan briefly before transferring to prevent breaking.
- Powdered Sugar Decoration: Use a fine-mesh strainer for an even, delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with Mexican hot chocolate or strong coffee to enhance the cultural experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
