ALEX Cake

Cake ALEX: A Delicacy for Little Celebrations

Cakes have a fascinating history, often symbolizing holidays and special events in our lives. Whether it's a birthday, a wedding, or just a simple gathering, a well-prepared cake always brings a smile to the faces of our loved ones. Today, I will share the recipe for a special cake known as Cake ALEX, created with love for my little nephew, who will be celebrating his 2nd birthday. This is an easy-to-make cake, without cocoa or chocolate, perfect for children and adults alike.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 6 hours (including cooling time)
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the rolls:
- 12 eggs
- 15 tablespoons sugar
- 12 tablespoons water
- 12 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 1/2 liter Milli whipped cream
- 1 jar strawberry jam
- 1 jar apricot jam
- 250 g colorful Turkish delight
- 100 g raisins (preferably soaked in rum)
- 200 g walnuts (toasted and chopped)
- 200 g peanut butter
- 1 packet vanilla cream Dr. Oetker
- 400 ml milk

For decoration:
- 2 bananas
- 3 kiwis
- 4 clementines
- gum paste mix for roses (optional, for decoration)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Rolls
Start by preheating the oven to 185 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and doubles in volume. Add the water, flour, and baking powder. Mix well.

2. Beating the Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

3. Baking the Rolls
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper greased with a little butter. Pour the mixture into the tray and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and elastic. Once cooled, roll each cake in the parchment paper and a damp towel. Allow them to cool completely.

4. Filling the Rolls
Once the rolls have cooled, spread strawberry jam on two of them and apricot jam on the other two. Carefully roll them up and refrigerate until the next day.

5. Preparing the Cream
In a saucepan, prepare the vanilla cream according to the package instructions using the milk. Once the cream has cooled, add the peanut butter and mix well. Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and coat them in powdered sugar. Add them to the cream along with the chopped walnuts and rum-soaked raisins.

6. Assembling the Cake
Use a cake mold lined with aluminum foil. Place the slices of roll on the bottom of the mold, covering the sides well. Spread half of the cream, then add slices of banana, kiwi, and clementines. Continue with another layer of rolls, followed by the remaining cream, and finally, another layer of rolls.

7. Cooling the Cake
Cover the cake with the ends of the aluminum foil, place a plate on top, and add a weight to compact it. Leave it in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours.

8. Decorating the Cake
Whip the cream and add a few drops of natural blue food coloring. Decorate the cake as desired. You can create roses from colored gum paste for an elegant look.

9. Serving
After a few hours in the refrigerator, the cake is ready to be sliced and served. The slices can be decorated with fresh fruit or grated chocolate for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Fruits: Select seasonal fruits for a more intense flavor. They will add a fresh note to the cake and make it more visually appealing.
- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jams, such as raspberry or blackberry, to change the cake's flavors.
- Raisins: If you don't like rum, you can soak them in orange juice for a different, less alcoholic flavor.
- Variations: If you want to make this cake more sophisticated, you can add a layer of white chocolate or a fruit mousse between the layers of roll.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a healthier choice compared to other desserts rich in chocolate and heavy creams. Fresh fruits add vitamins and antioxidants, while nuts provide healthy fatty acids. Peanut butter adds protein, making it a nutritious option for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture of the rolls may be slightly different. Whole wheat flour will make the cake denser.
- Can I substitute peanut butter? Absolutely! You can choose almond or cashew butter, depending on your preferences.
- How long can the cake be stored? It is recommended to consume the cake within 3-4 days, keeping it refrigerated.

Enjoy every bite of this Cake ALEX, perfect for celebrating beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether it's a weekend dessert or a surprise for a birthday, this cake will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy!