This classic semolina kefir cake — known as Mannik — is the humble bake every tea table deserves. With its tender golden crumb and gentle vanilla sweetness, it’s made from simple pantry staples and comes together with almost no effort. If you love unfussy bakes, you’ll also enjoy our Fudgy Chocolate Brownies with Nuts and Moist Carrot Cake with Walnuts and Raisins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (160 g) fine semolina
- 1 cup (240 ml) kefir
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 70 g (5 tbsp) butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanillin
Instructions
- Pour the kefir over the semolina, add the baking soda, stir, and let the semolina swell for 30 minutes. This soaking step is the secret to Mannik’s signature tender crumb.
- Separately, beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and slightly fluffy, then add the melted butter and vanilla and whisk to combine.
- Fold in the swollen semolina mixture and whisk again until the batter is completely smooth.
- Oil a baking pan, pour in the batter, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Turn the cake out of the pan, let it cool completely, and serve. It makes a lovely dessert-table companion to Mini Pancho Cake (Microwave Chocolate Sponge).
Tips
- Use fine semolina for the most delicate crumb; coarse semolina gives a pleasant, slightly rustic texture.
- Don’t skip the 30-minute soak — it’s what makes the cake soft and moist instead of gritty.
- Serve slices warm with jam, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For more home-baking guidance, the recipes at Allrecipes are a great resource.
Nutrition
Per 100 g: 198 kcal, protein 5 g, fat 7 g, carbs 27 g. Kefir adds protein and beneficial cultures — read more about cultured dairy nutrition at USDA.gov.