Queen Cakes

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If you are close to my age and grew up in Durban you would know what Queen Cakes are. It is similar to a normal vanilla cupcake, however this one is a little more dense and somewhat drier.

Queen Cakes

At least it’s how I remember it. Some had a bit of sprinkles on top and others didn’t.  

Growing up in the apartheid days we had none of the luxuries. We had to eat simply and live simply. I guess it’s why simple recipes have stuck with me.

It’s part of our heritage and although most of our dishes actually stemmed from darkness people are absolutely in love with them. Darkness or not all our dishes was made with love.

We were always content with the little we had. I don’t ever remember wanting anything more when I was little. 

I don’t remember my parents ever complaining about our living conditions or the pittance they earned. They just made the best of everything they had.

Some days I wish life could go back that way, the simple way.  When things are simple it becomes less complicated.

Right now I find life far too stressful and complicated. Too much material stuff around us, too much competition and too much greed.

Today whilst eating these Queen Cakes I couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic. It felt good making them because it reminded me of home.

Ingredients for the Queen Cakes

All you need is some butter (or margarine if you prefer), castor sugar, vanilla essence, cake wheat or all purpose flour, baking powder and a little milk.

If you’re using a hand mixer you will need some muscle power. You are going to be beating the butter and sugar for a long time.

Making the batter

If you want that fine crumb then you have to beat the butter for at least 4 minutes so it’s light and fluffy. You then add the sugar and beat for another 4 minutes.

You want a light creamy mixture before you add the dry ingredients. You add the eggs one at a time and then the flour and baking powder is sifted in.

For this recipe I folded the dry ingredients in and then added the milk. I don’t do any fancy or technical folding. I do my own thing just until combined.

It worked fine for me. But be careful not to overmix. The batter will be a little thick, remember we’re looking for more dense, drier texture.

If you feel you want a lighter texture you can increase the amount of milk. For me personally this worked because I prefer the dry queen cakes.

Once you have a cup of tea with it you forget all about it being dry. Trust me. 

You can add some sprinkles on top or you can leave it out. Either way it tastes great. 

Once baked a hard crust is formed on top, the best bit about these. I deliberately bake them for a little longer because I love the crust.

Baking the cakes

I pour the batter into muffin liners, about half full. I then use a wet spoon and smooth the tops a little, doesn’t have to be perfect.

Once baked it rises quite a bit so don’t worry about it being half full. The batter is definitely not a dropping consistency so you will have to scoop them in.

You will know they are ready when they are a lovely golden brown on top. If you stick a toothpick into the center of the cakes it will come out clean.

I hope you try this recipe and if you love it as much as I do please drop a comment and a star rating. It is always appreciated.

More Recipe to try:

Delicious Soft Snowballs Recipe

Carrot Cupcakes

Easy Lamingtons Recipe

 

 

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