3rd Birthday Cake

3-Year Cake – A Sweet Celebration for Tudor

On a special day like Tudor's 3rd birthday, a delicious cake can make all the difference. This cake, with a fluffy base and rich cream, is perfect for celebrating unforgettable moments with loved ones. Inspired by beautiful family moments, this recipe will help you create a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of both young and old.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

Base
- 6 large eggs
- 315 g powdered sugar
- 255 g flour
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla

Cream
- 300 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- Powdered sugar (to taste, usually between 150-250 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 1 essence of rum

Krantz decoration
- 200 g walnuts
- 6 tablespoons sugar

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the base
The first step in creating this 3-year cake is to prepare the base. Separating the eggs is essential. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with powdered sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes a fluffy cream of intense golden color. It is important to be patient at this step, as the incorporated air will make the base light and fluffy.

Then, add the sifted flour and the baking powder activated with a little vinegar or lemon juice. This trick helps activate the leavening agent and ensures a well-risen base.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you get a stiff foam that holds onto the whisk. Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk, flour, and sugar mixture. Use a spatula and mix with gentle up-and-down movements to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

Practical tip: Make sure your bowls and utensils are clean and dry to achieve a perfect foam.

Prepare a round cake pan with a removable ring, greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour. Pour the base mixture into it, and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready!

2. Preparing the cream
As the base cools, it's time to prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the soft butter with powdered sugar, rum essence, and cocoa. Beat well until you achieve a fluffy and smooth consistency. Add the ground walnuts and mix gently.

Suggestion: Gradually add the powdered sugar, tasting the mixture until it reaches your desired sweetness.

3. Preparing the Krantz decoration
To add a crunchy element to the cake, prepare the walnut krantz. Roast the walnuts in the oven for 5-10 minutes, being careful not to burn them. Once roasted, crush them with a rolling pin or a meat mallet.

Separately, caramelize the sugar in a pan, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the sugar turns golden, add the crushed walnuts and mix quickly. Spread the mixture on a piece of aluminum foil and let it cool before breaking it apart.

4. Assembling the cake
After the base has cooled, cut it into 3 equal parts. Prepare a syrup from water, sugar, and rum essence, then soak each layer of base. Spread a layer of cream on the first base, place the second base on top, add more cream, and finish with the last base.

Reserve 2 tablespoons of cream to cover the cake. Spread the cream on the top and sides of the cake, then coat it with crushed krantz. Add some dollops of whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Personal note: You can add fresh fruit on top of the cake for a touch of freshness and color.

Final tips
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This cake is a calorie-rich dessert, but it also offers benefits due to the walnuts, which are a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Possible variations: You can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios for a different flavor. Additionally, you can add a layer of fruit jam between the bases for a touch of acidity.

Frequently asked questions
1. What can I use instead of walnuts?
You can use various types of nuts or seeds, depending on your preferences or food allergies.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use an alternative sweetener.

3. Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Yes, the cake can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavors will intensify.

This 3-year cake is not just a simple dessert, but an experience that will bring joy and unforgettable memories. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or a special moment, this cake will surely be the star of the table. Enjoy!