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Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The coffee granules will dissolve into the batter, infusing the cake with a rich, aromatic coffee flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sour Cream
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and crème âcre using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The sour cream helps add moisture and gives the cake its tender texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure to the cake, while the vanilla enhances its flavor profile.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the cooled coffee. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Crème Âcre Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème âcre, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. If you want to enhance the coffee flavor, add 1 tablespoon of brewed coffee to the frosting. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the crème âcre frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake. The tangy flavor of the crème âcre pairs beautifully with the bold coffee taste, creating a luscious frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a truly indulgent experience. The rich coffee flavor and the creamy tang of the frosting are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers: If you’re a fan of coffee-flavored desserts, this cake is for you. The coffee flavor is pronounced but not overpowering, making it a perfect treat to enjoy alongside your morning cup of joe.
- Tangy and Creamy: The addition of sour cream in both the cake and the frosting gives it a delightful tang that balances the richness of the coffee and the sweetness of the cake.
- Moist and Tender: The combination of butter, sour cream, and brewed coffee ensures a moist, tender crumb that’s perfect with each bite.
- Elegant Presentation: This cake’s simple yet sophisticated flavor and elegant appearance make it a great option for gatherings, special occasions, or as a treat to share with loved ones.
Tips for Making the Best Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre
- Use Strong Coffee: To achieve the best flavor, make sure to use strong, brewed coffee for the cake. This will infuse the batter with a deep, rich coffee taste. You can even use espresso for a more intense flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense and heavy.
- Allow the Cake to Cool Completely: It’s important to let the cake cool completely before frosting. If the cake is too warm, the frosting may melt and slide off, affecting the final presentation.
- Add a Coffee Drizzle: For an extra coffee kick, consider adding a simple coffee glaze or drizzle on top of the frosting. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of brewed coffee until smooth and drizzle it over the cake before serving.
Conclusion
Gâteau au Café à la Crème Âcre is a delightful French-inspired dessert that combines the boldness of coffee with the richness of sour cream, creating a cake that’s both flavorful and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just want a comforting treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its moist texture, creamy frosting, and perfect balance of sweetness and tang, it’s the ideal dessert for any coffee lover or anyone looking to experience the exquisite flavors of French baking.
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