Eating a piece of cake helps one in two Brits, get more done in a day and help us relax. baking a cake and eating it can also makes us better and more productive.
Nearly two-thirds (59 per cent) of those polled gained a genuine sense of happiness when physically baking a cake, and more than three in four (79 per cent) said the feeling of achievement was a confidence boost and strengthened family bonds.
Behavioural psychologist Dr David Moxon said: "The act of baking, with all its smells amd tastes, is associated with nostalgia and can capture joyful memories.
"Little wonder then that the study showed the process of creating something delicious can provide the kind of confidence boost you might ordinarily associate with a promotion at work."
Cocoa Cake
Ingredients (Makes 8 to 10 servings)
2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened, 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 1/3 cups water, Confectioners sugar for dusting
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan and dust with flour, knocking out excess.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat together butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in vanilla.
4. Add flour mixture and water alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour and mixing just until combined.
5. Pour batter into cake pan and bake in middle of oven until springy to the touch and a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 55 minutes to 1 hour. Cool in pan 1 hour. Invert onto a rack, then turn right side up and dust with confectioners sugar.
And whenever you are craving it but you have no time...
Credits:
Created with images by ivankravts66 - "cake cream sponge cake"