Columbia Cake. Ozella Seffner. Recipe

Columbia Cake, also known as Ozella Seffner, is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. This delightful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a special gathering, or just a delicious treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. The recipe combines the rich flavors of coffee, butter, and sweet milk with the light and fluffy texture of cake layers. With the addition of various flavorings and fillings, the Columbia Cake can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Fun Fact: The Columbia Cake gets its name from the historical association with the Columbia Restaurant, a renowned restaurant located in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida. This establishment is the oldest restaurant in Florida and has been serving delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905. The Columbia Cake, originally created by Ozella Seffner, became one of the most beloved desserts at the restaurant.

Now, let's delve into the detailed recipe for Columbia Cake (Ozella Seffner).

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of coffee (brewed and cooled)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup of sweet milk
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons of baking powder
- 8 egg whites
- Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest)
- Optional fillings (boiled frosting, chocolate creams, seeded raisins, or currant jelly)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer for this step.

3. Slowly pour the sweet milk into the creamed sugar and butter mixture while continuing to mix on low speed. This will help incorporate the liquid evenly into the batter.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Stir them together until well mixed.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter.

7. Add your desired flavoring to the batter, such as a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest. This will give the cake a distinctive aroma and taste.

8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly.

9. Bake the cake layers in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

10. Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake layers to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Once the cake layers are completely cooled, you can proceed to assemble the cake. You have several options for fillings:

- Boiled Frosting: Prepare a classic boiled frosting by cooking egg whites, sugar, and a little water until it reaches a thick and glossy consistency. Spread the boiled frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

- Chocolate Creams: For a decadent twist, mix some chocolate cream filling into the frosting before spreading it on the cake layers. This will add a rich and creamy chocolate flavor to the cake.

- Seeded Raisins: If you prefer a fruity element, stir in a pound of seeded raisins into the boiled frosting. The plump raisins will provide bursts of sweet flavor with every bite.

- Currant Jelly: Another fruity option is to spread a layer of currant jelly between the cake layers. The tangy flavor of the jelly will balance the sweetness of the cake.

12. Once you have chosen and prepared your desired filling, assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate and spreading the filling evenly over it. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining filling.

13. Feel free to decorate the cake with additional garnishments like sprinkles, grated chocolate, or fresh fruits, if desired.

Now, it's time to enjoy your homemade Columbia Cake (Ozella Seffner)!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy the flavors and textures of Columbia Cake, you might also like to explore other delicious cake recipes, such as:

- Tres Leches Cake: A popular dessert in Latin American cuisine and especially prominent in Mexico, Tres Leches Cake is a moist sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three different types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk).

- Coffee Mocha Cake: For coffee enthusiasts, a Coffee Mocha Cake, infused with the flavors of coffee and chocolate, is a delightful treat. The rich and robust taste of coffee combined with the sweetness of chocolate creates a heavenly combination.

- Rum Cake: If you enjoy the moist and flavorful texture of Columbia Cake, you may also appreciate the unique taste of Rum Cake. This dessert is often made with dark rum, which adds a distinct warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.

- Victoria Sponge Cake: For a classic British treat, the Victoria Sponge Cake is a perfect choice. It consists of two layers of sponge cake sandwiched together with raspberry jam and whipped cream. This cake is light, delicate, and a true crowd-pleaser.

These cakes offer a wide range of flavors and textures to satisfy different taste preferences. Whether you prefer something fruity, chocolatey, or soaked in delicious milky goodness, there is a cake out there for everyone to enjoy.