Mantuan Wakes Cakes

Ingredients

Mantuan Wakes Cakes differ from the original English Langley Wakes Cakes in terms of flavor profile and ingredients. The Mantuan version incorporates local ingredients such as pumpkin, almonds, and rosewater, which add a unique taste and aroma to the cakes. Additionally, the Mantuan recipe may include spices commonly used in Mantuan cuisine, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor further. We alse have the original recipe for Langley Wakes Cakes, so you can check it out.

• 250g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 250g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 100g (1/2 cup) pumpkin puree 100g (1/2 cup) pumpkin puree
• 50g (1/2 cup) ground almonds 50g (1/2 cup) ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp rosewater 1/4 tsp rosewater
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (Sugars: 19g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake tin.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   Stir in the pumpkin puree, ground almonds, vanilla extract, almond extract, and rosewater.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the greased cake tin and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
11. 11.
    Slice and serve the Mantuan Wakes Cakes as a delightful treat.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pumpkin puree — Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree without any added spices or sweeteners.
• Ground almonds — If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use finely ground almonds or almond flour instead.
• Rosewater — Use a high-quality rosewater to achieve the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your preference for the floral aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Mantuan flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
• Serve the Mantuan Wakes Cakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
• If you don't have rosewater, you can substitute it with orange blossom water for a different aromatic twist.
• Experiment with different shapes for the cakes, such as individual muffin-sized portions or a bundt cake.
• These cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Mantuan Wakes Cakes as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cakes generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of ground almonds or a few edible flowers for a touch of sophistication.