How to Make Turkish Sweet Cakes (Kek)
Turkish sweet cakes, known as 'kek', are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Their moist texture and rich flavors are popular not just in Turkey but across the globe. If you're looking to bring a taste of Turkey into your home, follow this easy recipe for making delicious Turkish sweet cakes.
Ingredients
To make a classic Turkish sweet cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of yogurt (preferably plain)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for added flavor
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Turkish sweet cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease and flour a round or rectangular baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, yogurt, and vegetable oil. Whisk them together until you have a smooth mixture. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour and results in a lighter cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is well mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense.
Step 6: Add Extras
If you want to enhance your cake, fold in optional ingredients such as crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or pieces of fruit at this stage.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Variations
The beauty of Turkish sweet cakes is their versatility. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Lemon Kek: Add the zest and juice of one lemon for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Kek: Substitute a portion of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Nutter Kek: Mix in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to add a satisfying crunch.
Conclusion
Making Turkish sweet cakes at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, your homemade kek will surely impress. Serve it at tea time, as a dessert, or simply enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. Happy baking!