Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re blending the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the nutty richness of millet in a delicious Pineapple Millet Cake. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a burst of fruity flavor in their desserts. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 cup millet flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Pineapple:
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (canned or fresh, drained)
• Optional Add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or macadamia nuts)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, peel and core it, then crush or blend it into small pieces. If using canned pineapple, drain the crushed pineapple well.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the millet flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, plain yogurt, and milk until smooth and well blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the crushed pineapple and any optional add-ins (such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan(s) and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve your Pineapple Millet Cake. Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra tropical touch.

Tips and Variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and yogurt alternatives.
• Enhanced Flavor: Add a teaspoon of coconut extract or rum extract for a more intense tropical flavor.
• Frosting Ideas: Consider topping with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and pineapple juice.

This Pineapple Millet Cake is a celebration of tropical flavors with the wholesome goodness of millet, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Its moist texture and vibrant pineapple taste will surely make it a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking and savoring this deliciously fruity cake!