This is my Somali Dolshe (sponge cake) recipe. Like most Somali sweets, it goes really well with Somali tea.
Ingredients
- 7 eggs separated
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup flour
Instructions
- Whip together the 7 egg whites on a high setting until you reach stiff peaks. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the egg whites, which helps to leaven the cake and create its light and airy texture.
- Lower the power setting of your mixer before slowly adding in the egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring that each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to evenly distribute the yolks throughout the batter without collapsing the fluffy egg whites
- Add in the vanilla and spices – cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg (nutmeg is optional) – to infuse the cake with warm, aromatic flavors found in a lot of Somali recipes
- With your mixer still at a low setting, slowly add in the sugar, incorporating it gradually to ensure it dissolves evenly into the batter
- Sift in the flour slowly, making sure not to overmix the batter. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and prevent lumps, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter. Be gentle when folding in the flour to avoid overmixing (as you can tell overmixing is a bit no-no in this recipe)
- Pour the batter into a well-oiled bundt pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start taking a peak at the cake around the 20-minute mark, all ovens are different so adjust the bake time to your oven temperature.
- Finally, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cake to set and makes it easier to release from the pan without sticking. Once cooled, you can enjoy your homemade Somali Doolshe cake with a cup of tea or as a light dessert for any occasion!
Video
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