Iorgo Bear Cake

For my grandson, Iorgo, I prepared a large, special cake for the whole family to enjoy. This cake not only looks spectacular, but its taste is absolutely delicious. It is ideal for festive occasions, birthdays, or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. The recipe is enough for about 30 servings, so everyone can enjoy this delight.

The preparation begins with the sponge. The first step is to separate the eggs, being careful that the egg whites contain not even a trace of yolk. Then, beat the egg whites well with a pinch of salt until a fluffy foam forms. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the foam becomes firm and glossy. Now, it's time to incorporate the yolks, one at a time, gently folding with a spatula to keep the air in the mixture.

Once the yolks are well integrated, add the baking powder, flour, and ground walnuts. Gently mix until homogeneous, being careful not to deflate the air in the mixture. Pour this entire mixture into a square baking pan lined with parchment paper and place it in a preheated oven at medium temperature. Let the sponge bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the sponge cool completely.

While the sponge is cooling, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water with sugar and boil the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, until the sugar dissolves. Once the syrup has boiled, let it cool.

After the sponge has cooled, cut it into the shape of a bear. Divide the sponge into two equal parts, and generously soak each part with the syrup prepared earlier to ensure moisture and flavor.

For the vanilla cream, mix the vanilla cream powder with cold milk and sugar, using a mixer until you achieve a creamy consistency. Use part of this cream to fill the cake, and keep the rest for decorating the bear's ears, snout, and paws.

Next, prepare the chocolate cream. Mix the chocolate cream powder with truffles and rum with cold milk and sugar, using a mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This cream will be used to decorate the entire cake, giving it an attractive and appetizing appearance.

After the cake has been decorated with the chocolate cream, let it chill in the refrigerator to firm up a bit before serving. The total preparation time is about 2 and a half hours, but the effort is well worth it. This cake is not just a dessert but an experience that will bring joy and smiles to the faces of everyone who tastes it. Enjoy!