| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35-40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 537 | 25g | 15g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 30g | 2g | 11g | 0.24g |
Today, allow me to introduce you to a sensational dessert recipe that merges a burst of fresh fruit flavors with a subtle kick of exotic Middle Eastern spice – the Mastic Spice Cake. Unconventionally, my journey towards adoring this recipe actually began in my East Coast culinary wheelhouse. As a native of Portland, Maine, my culinary evolution was cradled by the aromatic salty breezes of the Atlantic coast and the rich, ambrosial plates of New England seafood – from hearty clam chowders to fresh lobster rolls. But my love for diverse flavor profiles coupled with a keen appetite for baking led me to unearth the magic of this enchanting cake.
The Heart of The Mastic Spice Cake: A Fruitful Encounter
What makes the Mastic Spice Cake extraordinary is the unique blend of rustic and vibrant elements. The cake incorporates fresh mixed berries, and the addition of lemon zest enhances their natural sweetness. The pop of berries is an echo of the fruit harvests Maine is known for, each mouthful of the cake a miniature voyage to the berry-laden fields.
Not to mention, berries are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients which are beneficial for health. This yummy treat is not just pleasing to your taste buds but is also healthy for your heart, mental health, and digestion. Healthline provides detailed insights on the plentiful health benefits of consuming berries. Plus, a spritz of freshly squeezed lemon juice not only takes the flavor up a notch, but also adds a plentiful serving of vitamin C to the mix.
An Exotic Twist to a Moist, Fluffy Base
Oh, but this isn’t just a fruit-driven show – the star of this recipe, the Mastic Spice, deserves some limelight too. Exotic, aromatic, and a tad mysterious, mastic spice, also known as the “tears of Chios,” gives this cake an exciting kick. This Mediterranean delight, though relatively unknown, is an absolute gem hiding in the world of spices, offering an enigmatic blend of flavors reminiscent of pine, fennel, and licorice. For more information on mastic spice, Britannica encapsulates its intriguing history, uses, and benefits in a comprehensive article.
Frankly, not many recipes showcase mastic, but once you’ve tasted its flavor in this cake, you’ll understand why this kitchen adventurer holds this Mastic Spice Cake in high esteem and recommends trying it alongside Zesty Seabass or a summer lobster roll. So, from my little coastal kitchen straight to yours, this Mastic Spice Cake offers a remarkable flavor voyage – a celebration of nature’s bounties mingled with the allure of faraway lands.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons mastic spice, ground
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Garnish:
- Fresh mixed berries
- Mint leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round baking pan.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground mastic spice. Stir well to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Step Three
In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Step Four
Beat the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step Five
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter is smooth.
Step Six
Fold the fresh mixed berries and lemon zest into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the berries to break apart and bleed into the batter.
Step Seven
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step Eight
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Nine
While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Step Ten
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top. Garnish with fresh mixed berries and mint leaves before serving.
