Gâteau de ménage with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• For the frosting: For the frosting:
• 1 ½ cups (340g) cream cheese, softened 1 ½ cups (340g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 22g (14g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 59g (45g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
10. 10.
    For the frosting:
11. 11.
    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
12. 12.
    Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
13. 13.
    Stir in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
14. 14.
    Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides.
15. 15.
    Decorate as desired and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and fluffy texture.
• Cream cheese — Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This will make it easier to blend and create a creamy frosting.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter.
• To achieve a smooth and creamy frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are both softened and at room temperature.
• For a decorative touch, garnish the cake with sliced almonds or fresh berries.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar to your taste.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving advice

Serve the Gâteau de ménage with a Twist at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Slice it into wedges and serve on dessert plates. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also add a few fresh flowers or mint leaves as a garnish. Serve the cake on a decorative cake stand or platter to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.