Ever considered elevating your baking game with a hint of cannabis? While brownies might be the poster child of cannabis-infused treats, there's another baked good slowly taking the spotlight: the weed cake, also known as a space cake.
Offering an aromatic blend of cakey goodness and the potent effects of THC, a slice of this treat promises more than just satisfying your sweet tooth.
While baking a spaced-out THC cake isn't exactly the same as the ones that come out of a Betty Crocker box, the process is still fairly simple, even for beginners. Plus, there's so many great options and flavors to try!
What is a Space Cake?
You might've heard the term "space cake" casually thrown around in cannabis circles or perhaps came across it on a menu at a cannabis dispensary. But what exactly makes a cake "spaced out?"
A space cake, essentially, is a weed cake or a cake infused with cannabis. It's not just any ordinary cake; it contains THC, the primary intoxicating compound found in cannabis.
When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing a range of effects, from euphoria to heightened sensory perception. This is what gives the space cake its name – the experience of consuming one can often feel like you're on a journey through space.
But how potent is a space cake? That's a slightly tricky question. The potency of a THC cake largely depends on the THC level of the product, usually cannabutter, used to infuse the cake.
It's vital to be aware of the THC content and ensure that you're consuming an amount that you're comfortable with. If you're new to edibles, it's always recommended to start with a small serving and wait for a few hours to see how it affects you before considering having more.
Why Make a Weed Cake?
From the classic pot brownie to gummies, the options in edibles are limitless. Yet, there's something uniquely captivating about a weed cake. But why should you consider baking a cannabis-infused cake? Here’s why:
Versatility in Taste and Texture
One of the primary advantages of cakes is their versatility. With cakes, you can experiment with flavors, fillings, icings, and toppings. Want a chocolate lava THC cake? Or perhaps a lemon-infused cake with a hint of cannabis? The world is your oyster!
A Unique Edible Experience
Anecdotal reports suggest that consuming edibles like cakes offers a high that is more relaxed and calm compared to smoking cannabis. Many users find the experience of edibles to be smoother, longer-lasting, and more immersive.
Discretion and Convenience
Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, consuming a slice of cake is discreet. It's a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without drawing attention or dealing with the smoke.
Avoiding the Toxins
One of the advantages of edibles is that they bypass the harmful toxins associated with smoking. By consuming a THC cake, you get to enjoy the effects of cannabis without the potential health risks of inhaling smoke.
While weed cakes undeniably offer several advantages over other consumption methods, it's essential to remember the potency and delayed onset of effects associated with edibles.
What You'll Need
Ready to bake your own weed cake? Before you start mixing and whisking, gather all your tools, equipment, and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious infused treat:
Tools and Equipment
- Oven: Fundamental for baking, ensure it's preheated.
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of different sizes will help separate wet and dry ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for blending your ingredients smoothly
- Cake Tin or Baking Pan: Depending on your cake size and shape preference
- Measuring Cups or Spoons: Accuracy is crucial, especially when adding cannabis.
- Spatula: To fold in your ingredients and ensure none get left behind
- Thermometer: Useful when decarbing or infusing your cannabis to ensure it doesn't overheat
- Sieve or Sifter: For aerating your dry ingredients, especially the flour
- Cooling Rack: To let your cake cool down evenly after baking
Ingredients
- Cannabis Butter or Cannabis-Infused Oil: The main component to give your cake the cannabinoid kick. The amount you use will depend on your desired potency.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary body of your cake
- Sugar: White or brown, depending on your preference
- Eggs: Usually, for binding and fluffiness
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: For the cake to rise
- Vanilla Extract: For flavor
- Milk or Buttermilk: To achieve the desired batter consistency.
- Salt: A pinch can enhance the cake's overall flavor.
- Optional Add-Ins: This could be anything from cocoa powder for a chocolate cake, zests for citrusy flavors, or any other flavors and mix-ins you prefer.
The key to a successful THC cake is ensuring the even distribution of the cannabis infusion throughout the batter to guarantee consistent potency in every slice.
Decarbing Your Weed: The Basics
Decarboxylation, also known as decarbing, is a process that activates the cannabinoids in your cannabis, making it effective when consumed in edible form. Without this step, your weed cake or any other edible won't provide the desired effects.
Here's a step-by-step guide to decarbing your cannabis for your space cake:
- Grinding: Begin by grinding your cannabis buds. You want a consistency that's not too fine but broken down enough for even heating.
- Preparation: Spread the ground cannabis evenly on a baking sheet. Using parchment paper can help prevent sticking.
- Oven Time: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the baking sheet with cannabis into the oven once it reaches the desired temperature. The optimal range for THC preservation is between 230-250°F (110-120°C). For most strains, 25-30 minutes at this temperature is ideal. However, if you're looking to maintain more terpenes, you might consider baking at 230°F (110°C) for around 45 minutes. If you're working with CBD-rich strains or hemp, the decarbing process could take longer due to CBDA requiring more time than THCA.
- Monitoring: Halfway through the baking time, give the cannabis a gentle stir on the baking sheet to ensure even heating.
- Cooling: Once your cannabis has been decarbed in the oven, let it cool. It should look a shade darker – almost a toasty brown – and will be ready to be used in your cannabis-infused oil or butter.
Decarbing in the oven can result in a noticeable cannabis aroma, so consider ventilating your kitchen during the process.
How to Make a Space Cake
This guide will take you step-by-step through creating a delicious weed cake that not only tastes heavenly but also packs the desired punch. Before making your cannabis edible, ensure you've gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
Here’s how to make an edible cake:
Preparing Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (about 7-10 grams) of ground cannabis, decarboxylated
- 1 cup of butter
Procedure:
- Decarboxylate Your Cannabis: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread your cannabis on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Melting the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter on low heat.
- Add the Cannabis: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Maintain low heat, ideally above 160ºF but never exceeding 200ºF, and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the Butter: Set a funnel on top of a jar and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the butter over the cheesecloth funnel and allow it to strain. Avoid squeezing the cheesecloth.
- Cool Down: Allow the butter to cool for an hour. Store in the refrigerator.
Baking the Space Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup cannabis-infused butter (adjust based on desired potency)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
- Optional add-ins: cocoa powder, zests, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Procedure:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake tin or baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures your cake has a uniform texture and rises perfectly.
- Combining Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and cannabis-infused butter or oil until creamy. Add in the eggs one by one, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth and uniform consistency.
- Mixing: Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk or buttermilk. Ensure you mix just until combined; overmixing can make your cake dense.
- Optional Flavors and Add-ins: At this point, if you're looking to add cocoa powder for a chocolate variation, or zests, nuts, or even chocolate chips, now's the time to fold them in.
- Baking: Pour your batter into the prepared cake tin, ensuring it's spread evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on your oven and the size of your cake. The cake is done when a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: After baking, remove your space cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can frost, glaze, or garnish your cake as desired.
Baking a weed cake is not much different from making a regular cake. The key difference lies in the careful infusion of cannabis. When done right, you get a scrumptious treat that offers both taste and the unique effects of cannabis.
How to Store a Weed Cake
Knowing how to properly store your weed cake ensures that it remains fresh and retains its potency. If you plan on saving your treat for later, here are some tips on how to store your cannabis-infused treat.
Cooling
Before storing, ensure your space cake is cooled entirely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside your storage container, which can make your cake soggy and unappetizing.
Airtight Containers
Always store your cake in an airtight container. This not only retains its freshness but also protects it from external contaminants. Plastic containers or glassware with tight-sealing lids work best.
Refrigeration
If you're planning to consume your cake within a week, refrigeration is the best option. This will keep the cake fresh and maintain its moisture. Additionally, the cold can help stabilize the cannabinoids, ensuring that the cake retains its potency. A cake typically lasts about 3-5 days in cool temperatures.
Freezing for Long-Term
If you don't plan on consuming your cake immediately or within the next week, consider freezing it. This can keep your cake edible for up to 3 months.
Slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place these wrapped slices in a zip-lock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. This method allows for easy thawing of individual slices when you’re up for a slice.
Labeling
Always label your cannabis products, especially if you have others in your household. A simple, clear, and readable label specifying that it's a weed cake and the date of creation can prevent unintentional consumption.
Moisture Absorbers
Consider adding a food-grade silica gel packet or a slice of white bread to the container to keep your cake from becoming stale or too moist in storage. These help balance the moisture levels inside, keeping your cake just right.
Avoid Direct Light
Cannabinoids can degrade when exposed to direct light. Always store your cake in a dark place if possible, especially if it's not inside a fridge or freezer.
It's important to remember that, like all edibles, a weed cake's potency will alter slightly over time. If stored properly, however, you can enjoy your THC cake for quite a while.
Elevate Your Edible Experience
Whether you're a seasoned cannabis enthusiast or a curious beginner, crafting your own space cake offers an opportunity to blend creativity with potency, ensuring every slice suits your taste and preference.
While the allure of these cakes is undeniable, moderation is key. So, savor each bite, stay mindful of your limits, and revel in a cannabis experience that’s as delectable as it is memorable.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
