Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes for cakes, pies, cookies, and more. Today, we are going to show you how to make a postum cake, a moist and flavorful cake that uses postum as one of the ingredients.
Postum is a roasted grain beverage that was popular in the early 20th century as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. It has a rich and nutty flavor that goes well with baked goods. Postum is still available today, and you can find it online or in some specialty stores. If you are looking for a new way to use postum, or if you are just curious about this old-fashioned drink, then this postum cake recipe is for you.
What is Postum Cake?
Postum cake is a type of sponge cake that uses postum as one of the wet ingredients. Postum is mixed with boiling water and butter, and then added to the flour, sugar, eggs, and other dry ingredients. The postum gives the cake a deep brown color and a subtle coffee-like flavor. The cake is baked in two or three round pans, and then frosted with a creamy buttercream frosting that also has postum in it.
Postum cake is a simple and easy recipe that does not require any fancy equipment or skills. You just need to separate the eggs, beat the whites until stiff, and fold them into the batter. The cake is light and airy, but also moist and satisfying. You can enjoy it as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of postum or your favorite hot beverage.
History of Postum Cake
Postum cake is not a very well-known cake, but it has an interesting history behind it. Postum was invented in 1895 by C.W. Post, a cereal manufacturer who wanted to create a healthy alternative to coffee. Post claimed that coffee was harmful to the health and nervous system, and that postum was a better choice for people who wanted to avoid caffeine and other stimulants. Post marketed postum as a wholesome and nutritious drink that could improve digestion, sleep, and mental clarity.
Postum became very popular in the early 20th century, especially among religious groups that abstained from coffee, such as Mormons and Seventh-day Adventists. Post also published several cookbooks that featured recipes using postum as an ingredient, such as postum pudding, postum custard, postum ice cream, and postum cake. Postum cake was one of the most popular recipes, as it was easy to make and had a delicious flavor. Postum cake was often served at social gatherings, church events, or family dinners.
Variations of Postum Cake
Postum cake is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences. You can use different flavors of postum, such as original, cocoa, or wheat bran. You can also add other ingredients to the batter or the frosting, such as nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, spices, or extracts. Here are some ideas for variations of postum cake:
- Chocolate Postum Cake: Use cocoa postum instead of original postum, and add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture. For the frosting, use chocolate buttercream instead of vanilla buttercream.
- Nutty Postum Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. For the frosting, use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar, and add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts.
- Coconut Postum Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter. For the frosting, use cream cheese instead of butter, and add 1/4 cup of coconut.
- Spiced Postum Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the flour mixture. For the frosting, use maple syrup instead of vanilla extract.
- Lemon Postum Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter. For the frosting, use lemon juice instead of heavy cream, and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
Tips for Making Postum Cake
Postum cake is not a difficult recipe to make, but there are some tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some tips for making postum cake:
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before separating them. This will help them whip better and create more volume.
- Sift your flour before measuring it. This will prevent lumps and make the cake lighter.
- Do not overmix the batter. Fold the egg whites gently into the batter, and do not stir more than necessary.
- Use parchment paper to line the bottom of your cake pans. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove.
- Do not open the oven door while the cake is baking. This will prevent the cake from sinking or cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
Postum Cake Recipe
Now that you know more about postum cake, let’s get to the recipe. Here is what you will need to make a postum cake:
Ingredients
| For the cake | For the frosting |
|---|---|
| 2 cups of all-purpose flour | 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened |
| 2 cups of granulated sugar | 2 cups of powdered sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon of salt | 2 tablespoons of postum |
| 3 tablespoons of postum | 1/4 teaspoon of salt |
| 1/2 cup of buttermilk | 4 tablespoons of heavy cream |
| 2 sticks of unsalted butter | 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract |
| 6 eggs, separated | |
| 1 teaspoon of baking soda | |
| 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract | |
| 1 cup of boiling water |
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the postum to the boiling water and stir well. Add the postum mixture to the butter and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 seconds, then remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg yolks, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the postum mixture into the flour mixture and stir well. Add the egg yolk mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, postum, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate or a cake stand. Spread about 1/3 of the frosting over the top. Place the other cake layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Cut into slices and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Postum Cake
What does postum cake taste like?
Postum cake tastes like a moist and tender sponge cake with a subtle coffee-like flavor. The postum adds a rich and nutty taste that complements the sweet and creamy frosting. Postum cake is not too sweet or too bitter, but just right for any occasion.
Where can I buy postum?
You can buy postum online from various websites, such as Amazon or Postum.com. You can also find it in some specialty stores or health food stores that carry natural or organic products. Postum comes in different flavors, such as original, cocoa, or wheat bran. You can choose your favorite flavor or try them all.
Can I use coffee instead of postum?
You can use coffee instead of postum if youwant a more authentic flavor and aroma. However, coffee is stronger and more bitter than postum, so you may need to adjust the amount and the sweetness of the cake. You can use instant coffee or brewed coffee, but make sure it is hot and strong.
Can I make postum cake in a bundt pan?
You can make postum cake in a bundt pan if you prefer a different shape and presentation. However, you may need to adjust the baking time and the amount of frosting. A bundt pan has a larger capacity than two 9-inch round pans, so you may need to increase the batter by 50% or double it. You may also need to bake the cake for longer, about 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For the frosting, you may need to reduce it by half or use it as a glaze instead of a thick layer.
How do I store postum cake?
You can store postum cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, or store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze postum cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
Can I make postum cake vegan?
You can make postum cake vegan by substituting some of the ingredients with plant-based alternatives. For example, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter, almond milk instead of buttermilk, flax eggs instead of eggs, and vegan cream cheese instead of buttercream frosting. You may need to adjust the amounts and the consistency of the batter and the frosting accordingly.
Can I make postum cake gluten-free?
You can make postum cake gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. You may also need to add some xanthan gum or baking powder to help the cake rise and hold together. You can use any gluten-free flour that you like, such as rice flour, oat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make postum cake sugar-free?
You can make postum cake sugar-free by using sugar substitutes instead of granulated sugar and powdered sugar. You can use any sugar substitute that you like, such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit, or xylitol. You may need to adjust the amounts and the sweetness of the cake and the frosting accordingly.
Can I make postum cake dairy-free?
You can make postum cake dairy-free by using dairy-free alternatives instead of butter, buttermilk, and heavy cream. You can use any dairy-free alternative that you like, such as margarine, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. You may need to adjust the amounts and the consistency of the batter and the frosting accordingly.
Can I make postum cake nut-free?
You can make postum cake nut-free by omitting any nuts from the recipe. You can also use nut-free alternatives instead of nut-based ingredients, such as sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, or rice milk instead of almond milk. You may need to adjust the amounts and the flavor of the cake and the frosting accordingly.
Can I make postum cake egg-free?
You can make postum cake egg-free by using egg substitutes instead of eggs. You can use any egg substitute that you like, such as applesauce, banana, yogurt, or aquafaba. You may need to adjust the amounts and the texture of the batter and the frosting accordingly.
Can I make postum cake without baking soda?
You can make postum cake without baking soda by using baking powder instead. Baking powder is a leavening agent that contains baking soda and an acid, such as cream of tartar. Baking powder helps the cake rise and become fluffy. You can use about 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda in this recipe.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about postum cake and learned something new today. Postum cake is a delicious and easy recipe that uses postum as one of the ingredients. Postum is a roasted grain beverage that has a rich and nutty flavor that goes well with baked goods. Postum cake is light and airy, but also moist and satisfying. You can customize it with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste buds.
If you liked this article, please check out our other articles on our blog. We have more recipes, tips, and tricks for baking the best cakes, pies, cookies, and more. Thank you for reading and happy baking!