Nigella Lawson Courgette Cake: A Delicious Treat

Nigella Lawson's Courgette Cake, a delightful and unique dessert, is perfect for any occasion. This cake incorporates grated courgettes (zucchini) giving it a moist and subtly sweet flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a vegetable in a dessert form, offering a balanced blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients List

Grated courgettes (zucchini): 250g
Sultanas (golden raisins): 100g
Roughly chopped walnuts: 75g
Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
All-purpose flour: 225g
Baking powder: 2 tsp
Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
Salt: A pinch
Large eggs: 2
Vegetable oil: 150ml
Granulated sugar: 175g
Vanilla extract: 2 tsp

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin.
Mix grated zucchini, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined.
Fold the courgette mixture into the batter and pour into the cake tin.
Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A: Yes, you can use alternatives like mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or yogurt in place of each egg.

Q: How can I prevent the cake from becoming too dense?
A: Avoid overmixing the batter and use the right amount of courgette to prevent excess moisture.

Q: Is it possible to add extra flavors like grated apple?
A: Absolutely! Grated apple can add additional moisture and sweetness to the cake. Just remember to squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated apple before adding it to the mix.

Nigella Lawson's Courgette Cake is a wonderful blend of sweet and earthy flavors, making it a unique and delightful dessert. It pairs well with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a novel way to enjoy courgettes. Enjoy baking and relishing this exquisite cake!

Credits

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson.