Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
410 | 19g | 11g | 58g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
41g | 1g | 4g | 0.15g |
When it comes to fusing the flavors of my Spanish and Caribbean heritage, my absolute favorite recipe that embodies this culinary harmony has to be Nance Cupcakes. Taking the stage in South Florida, where I indulge in the dance of creating delightful bites, combining US classic cupcakes with an exotic taste of the nance fruit felt like second nature.
A Culinary Fusion Worth Dancing To
Growing up in a Cuban-Spanish house here in Miami, my palate was coaxed into appreciating a range of vibrant flavors and textures that spanned both the Caribbean and the Iberian Peninsula. I have always loved the vibrant dance of tropical exuberance mingling with the rich, comforting classics of traditional Spanish cuisine. Our Nance Cupcakes are a wonderful medley of these worlds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, golden cupcake, only to be greeted by the unexpected tropical zing of nance.
Nance: The Fruit of Delights
For the uninitiated, nance is a small, yellow fruit native to Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The nance fruit in these cupcakes adds an extraordinarily unique layer of flavor, distinguished by its sweet and slight tartness, not found in your average cupcake recipe.
Additionally, incorporating nance in your diet can offer notable health benefits. The fruit contains a punch of vitamins, including Vitamin C, and has been lauded for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. Using it in a dessert such as this is a wonderful way to invite a touch of wellness into your confections.
A Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Nance Cupcakes?
The beauty of Nance Cupcakes lies in their versatility. With their subtle sweetness and intriguing flavor profile, they pair equally well with a strong, dark cup of espresso, in the Spanish tradition or a tall refreshing glass of a Cuban classic, the Mojito. Their tropicality can even make them a great companion for a vibrant fruit salad.
Isn’t that the beauty of food? Its ability to almost whimsically connect cultures, create surprising symphonies of flavors, and make us dance with joy on the mere anticipation of the first bite. That’s why I love this recipe- the Nance cupcakes are more than just a dessert, they’re a fusion of my roots, my love for dance, and my joy in bringing culinary surprises to the table.
What You’ll Need
<ul> <li>1.5 cups all-purpose flour</li> <li>1.5 teaspoons baking powder</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon baking soda</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li> <li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>1 cup granulated sugar</li> <li>2 large eggs</li> <li>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</li> <li>1/2 cup milk</li> <li>1 cup nance fruit, pitted and chopped</li> <li>For Nance Frosting: <ul> <li>1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</li> <li>2 cups powdered sugar</li> <li>1/2 cup nance fruit puree</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step Three
In a large bowl, beat together the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Step Four
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the 1 cup of pitted and chopped nance fruit.
Step Five
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Step Six
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the Nance Frosting. In a large bowl, beat the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually beat in the 2 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 1/2 cup of nance fruit puree and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
Step Seven
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the Nance Frosting. Serve and enjoy!