Beauty and the Beast Cake

Belle Cake: A Delicacy Sweetened with Story

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10

A cake that combines delicacy and refined taste, inspired by the classic story of Beauty and the Beast, is a perfect choice for special moments. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or want to indulge your guests with an extraordinary dessert, the Belle Cake will surely impress with its fluffy texture and smooth cream. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients

Sponge Cake:
- 5 fresh eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g flour (sifted)
- A pinch of salt

Yogurt Cream:
- 400 ml yogurt (preferably high-fat for a creamy texture)
- 100 ml cream
- 8 tablespoons cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 2 packets of gelatin
- 300 ml whipped cream (beaten)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Cake
1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature. This will help achieve a fluffier texture. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat at high speed for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and triples in volume. At the end, the mixture should leave visible trails when you let the batter fall.

3. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it to the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula or spoon from the bottom up, from the center to the outside. This step is crucial to maintain air in the batter, ensuring a fluffy texture.

4. Preparing the mold: Grease a cake pan with butter and flour, making sure it is well coated. Pour the batter into the pan and carefully level the surface. Gently tapping the pan on the table will help eliminate air bubbles.

5. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done using a simple method: the cake should be golden and easily pull away from the edges of the pan. Once done, turn off the oven, slightly open the door, and let it cool gradually inside.

Step 2: Preparing the Yogurt Cream
1. Preparing the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions. Usually, it is placed in cold water for a few minutes and then melted over low heat.

2. Combining the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the cream and cherry jam. Add the melted gelatin, stirring quickly to avoid lumps.

3. Beating the whipped cream: In another bowl, beat the cream until stiff. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture using the same bottom-up mixing technique.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake
1. Slicing the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into 3 equal layers. Use a long, sharp knife to make precise cuts.

2. Soaking the layers: Prepare a simple syrup from water and sugar (optional, to add moisture to the layers), then soak each sponge layer.

3. Assembling the cake: In a cake dish, place the first sponge layer, add some of the yogurt cream, then cover with the second sponge layer, soaking again and adding more cream. Repeat this process with the third layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining cream.

4. Cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld.

Practical Tips
- Attention to eggs: If using farm eggs, ensure they are fresh, as they can affect the final texture of the sponge.
- Gelatin: If you want a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar instead of gelatin, being careful to follow the usage instructions.
- Sugar-free variant: For a healthier option, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Serving: Serve the cake with warm chocolate sauce or alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delicious contrast to the fluffy texture of the cake.

Delicious Pairings
This cake pairs excellently with fragrant tea or sweet wine for a complete culinary experience. Try serving it with a cup of fruit tea or a semi-dry white wine to highlight the delicate flavors of the yogurt and cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I keep the cake fresh? Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Can I use other types of jam? Absolutely! Experiment with strawberry, peach, or even a fruit combination for different flavors.
- Is it possible to freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before assembling it. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Personal Note
This cake is not just a delight but also a symbol of beautiful memories gathered around the table. Each slice tells a story, and each ingredient contributes to a unique experience. Feel free to add your personal touch, whether it’s a special topping or a secret ingredient, to make this cake truly yours. Enjoy it with loved ones and create unforgettable moments!