Anca Cake

Vanilla cream cake, whipped cream, jam, and a delicious chocolate glaze - an explosion of flavors and textures that will turn any occasion into a special moment. This recipe is not just a simple cake, but a true story brought to life through delicate layers of sponge cake, vanilla cream, flavored syrup, and a chocolate glaze that gives it a unique appearance. Let's discover together how we can impress our loved ones with this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 21

Necessary ingredients:

*For the sponge cake:*
- 6 eggs + 2 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 cup of oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder

*For the syrup:*
- 400 ml water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Rum essence (or other preferred essences)

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 2 egg yolks
- 350 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons (grated) flour
- 100 g butter
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

*In addition:*
- Strawberry jam
- 200 ml liquid cream

*For decoration:*
- Sugar pearls
- 150 g milk chocolate
- 100 g white chocolate
- Milk (for glazing)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preheating the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential that the temperature remains constant to achieve a perfect sponge cake.

2. Preparing the sponge cake:
- Separate the eggs: place the egg whites in one bowl and the yolks in another.
- Using a mixer, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.
- Incorporate the egg yolks, one at a time, gently mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed.
- Add the oil in a thin stream, mixing constantly.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder over the mixture and gently fold until you achieve a soft and airy batter.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the cake is firm to the touch.

3. Preparing the syrup:
- In a saucepan, bring the water with the sugar to a boil, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Once you have a simple flavored syrup, remove from heat and add the rum essence.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan, but do not boil it.
- In a small saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and flour, then slowly pour in the warm milk, constantly stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and continuously stir until the cream thickens. Once ready, remove from heat and add the butter, mixing well until melted.

5. Whipping the cream:
- Whip the liquid cream until it becomes creamy and fluffy, without turning it into butter.

6. Assembling the cake:
- Trim the edges of the sponge cake for a uniform appearance. Then, cut the sponge cake into two layers.
- Soak each layer with the prepared syrup.
- Portion each layer into squares or rectangles, as preferred. A nice idea would be to make them small, about 6.5x4 cm, especially if you want to serve them at a festive event. You will get approximately 21 delicious little cakes!
- On each piece, add a generous layer of vanilla cream, a teaspoon of strawberry jam, and a portion of whipped cream, then cover with the other layer of sponge cake.

7. Preparing the glaze:
- In a bowl, pour a little warm milk and add the chocolate broken into small pieces. You can prepare two types of glaze: one with white chocolate and one with milk chocolate. Allow the chocolate to melt completely, stirring until smooth.
- Glaze each cake with the melted chocolate and decorate with sugar pearls for a festive look.

8. Refrigeration:
- Place the cakes in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld.

Serving suggestions:
These cakes are ideal for any occasion, whether celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply wanting to treat someone special. You can serve them alongside a fragrant coffee or delicate tea, and for an extra touch of elegance, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.
- How can I enhance the flavors? Instead of rum essence, you can use vanilla or almond essence for a unique taste.
- How long can I keep the cakes? These cakes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best consumed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains protein from eggs and milk, carbohydrates from sugar and flour, as well as healthy fats from butter. It is a delicacy that, when consumed in moderation, can bring exceptional culinary joy.

This recipe will not only delight the taste buds of your loved ones but will also add a touch of warmth and love to every slice. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking! Enjoy!