South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake

Ingredients

The South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake differs from the original Chinese version by incorporating South African flavors and ingredients. The traditional Chinese cake is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, while the South African adaptation adds a variety of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Additionally, the use of rooibos tea and apricot jam gives the cake a unique South African twist, enhancing its flavor profile and creating a delightful fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Paper Wrapped Cake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) rooibos tea, cooled 1/2 cup (120ml) rooibos tea, cooled
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam
• Parchment paper, for wrapping Parchment paper, for wrapping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, rooibos tea, and apricot jam.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Steam the wrapped cakes for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
10. 10.
    Serve the South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rooibos tea — Brew the rooibos tea according to the package instructions and let it cool completely before using it in the recipe.
• Apricot jam — Choose a high-quality apricot jam with a smooth texture for the best flavor in the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some powdered sugar and ground cinnamon on top of the wrapped cakes before serving.
• If you don't have rooibos tea, you can substitute it with black tea or any other herbal tea of your choice.
• Experiment with different flavors of jam, such as peach or strawberry, to create your own unique variations of the cake.
• Make sure to wrap the cakes tightly in parchment paper to prevent any steam from escaping during the steaming process.
• Serve the South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Serving advice

Serve the South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake warm or at room temperature. Unwrap each piece of cake from the parchment paper before serving.

Presentation advice

Place the unwrapped South African Spiced Paper Wrapped Cake on a decorative plate or cake stand. Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.