This Holi, give a traditional thandai a twist with a delicious Thandai Cake!
The festival of colors has arrived! But is Holi just about colors? Not at all! Holi is also celebrated with music, traditional delicacies, and, of course, the iconic festive drink—Thandai! If there’s one beverage that defines Holi (besides the vibrant hues), it’s the refreshing and spiced Thandai. Made with a blend of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar, this drink is a staple of the festival.
While Thandai is a well-loved classic, it comes in several delightful variations, such as rose Thandai, mango Thandai, and badaam kesar Thandai. But why not take it a step further? This Holi, let’s get creative and turn our beloved Thandai into a unique treat—Thandai cake! A twist on tradition that will make your celebrations even more special. Here’s how you can make it!
While store-bought Thandai powder is always an option, nothing beats the rich aroma and freshness of a homemade powder. To make your own Thandai powder, gather the following ingredients:
Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and grind until you get a fine, aromatic powder. And just like that, your homemade Thandai powder is ready.
To make the Thandai cake, you will need the following ingredients:
With these ingredients ready, let's move on to the next step—making the batter!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, rose extract, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about a minute. Meanwhile, warm the milk and mix in the Thandai powder to create a fragrant, spiced Thandai-infused milk. Add this warm thandai milk to the wet ingredients and whisk until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients’ mix to the wet ingredients’ mixture in increments, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free, ensuring a light and airy texture for the cake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch cake pan, and line the base with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Once the cake has cooled, prick it all over with a fork. This will help it absorb the extra flavor when you brush or drizzle Thandai milk evenly on top, enhancing its richness. To decorate, spread a layer of whipped cream or any frosting of your choice. Finally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped nuts and dried rose petals for a festive touch.
And just like that, your delicious Thandai Cake is ready to be enjoyed! Perfectly spiced, moist, and infused with the essence of Holi, this thandai cake will surely be a hit at your festive celebrations.
