Imagine a dessert that's not just a cake, but a work of art that tells a story of cultural richness and culinary creativity. The Orange Silver Mehndi Henna Cake is more than just a sweet treat – it's a sensory journey that blends the vibrant flavors of orange with the intricate beauty of traditional Indian henna designs. Prepare to be transported to a world where baking meets artistic expression, and every slice is a celebration of flavor and visual wonder!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 90 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Silver edible paint
- Henna design template
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, ensuring complete incorporation and a smooth mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with fresh orange juice, mixing gently to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the cake's aromatic profile.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, carefully place the henna design template over the cake's surface.
- Using a fine brush, delicately apply silver edible paint following the intricate henna template design, creating an elegant and artistic cake decoration.
- Allow the silver paint to dry completely before serving, ensuring a stunning presentation that reflects traditional Indian artistry.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, uniform batter.
- Zesting Technique: For an extra burst of orange flavor, add some fresh orange zest to the batter.
- Painting Precision: When applying the silver edible paint, use a very fine, clean brush and work in a well-lit area to capture the intricate henna design details.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating to prevent the silver paint from running or bleeding.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to henna-style cake decoration, practice the design on parchment paper first.
- Storage Tip: Store the decorated cake in a cool, dry place to preserve the delicate silver paint design.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture, and consider pairing with a light orange-infused whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 115mg
