What To Know
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Store the kiwi cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, replace the butter with margarine and the eggs with a flax egg or mashed banana.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of New Zealand with this exquisite kiwi cake recipe straight from the culinary masters at BBC. This delectable treat is a symphony of tangy kiwis, aromatic spices, and moist sponge, promising an unforgettable dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 175g caster sugar
- 110g butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 125ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground ginger
For the Kiwi Compote:
- 6 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 100g butter, softened
- 200g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Cake:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 23cm round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Sift the flour and ground ginger into the bowl and fold in gently until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack.
Making the Kiwi Compote:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the kiwis, caster sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the kiwis have softened and the sauce has thickened.
3. Set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually beat in the icing sugar until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Cake:
1. Spread a layer of the kiwi compote over the top of the cooled cake.
2. Top with the cream cheese frosting and smooth out evenly.
3. Decorate with fresh kiwi slices or other desired toppings.
Tips for Perfection
- For a more intense kiwi flavor, use ripe and juicy kiwis.
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder to every 100g of plain flour.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- To check if the cake is done, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store the kiwi cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- For a vegan version, replace the butter with margarine and the eggs with a flax egg or mashed banana.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Top the cake with a drizzle of lemon glaze or chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.
Finishing Touches
- Garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a vibrant presentation.
- Serve the kiwi cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Beyond the Ordinary: Kiwi Cake Delights
- Experiment with different kiwi varieties, such as golden kiwis or red kiwis, to create cakes with unique flavors and colors.
- Create a kiwi cake trifle by layering cubes of kiwi cake with kiwi compote, cream cheese frosting, and whipped cream.
- Bake individual kiwi cupcakes for a delightful party treat.
The Kiwi Cake Legacy
The kiwi cake has become an iconic dessert in New Zealand, representing the country’s vibrant flavors and culinary creativity. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, this cake continues to delight taste buds around the world.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I use frozen kiwis for the compote?
A: Yes, you can use frozen kiwis, but make sure to thaw them completely before using.
Q: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of icing sugar in the frosting to your desired sweetness level.
Q: Can I substitute cream cheese with sour cream in the frosting?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with sour cream, but the frosting will have a slightly tangier flavor.
Q: How long can I store the kiwi cake at room temperature?
A: The kiwi cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit in the compote?
A: Yes, you can use other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries in the compote.
