Bee

Bee Cake - A Sweet Delicacy with Crispy Layers and Refreshing Cream

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 32-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

I invite you to discover with me the delicious recipe of the Bee Cake, a perfect combination of crispy layers and a fine semolina cream, enriched with lemon flavor and apricot jam. This cake is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a joy for the eyes, thanks to its beautiful layers. Moreover, its crispy layers and rich cream make it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends.

A Highlight

The Bee Cake has a rich history in dessert tradition, often associated with festive meals and family reunions. It is a dessert that reminds us of childhood, of the scent of freshly baked cakes from grandma's kitchen. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted with various jams or flavors, depending on your preferences.

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 2 whole eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 2 generous tablespoons of lard
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 2 large tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda extinguished with lemon
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 450-500 g flour (approximately)

For the cream:
- 150 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons semolina
- 250 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 150 g sugar
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 jar of apricot jam (or peaches, for a delicious variation)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. In a bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, lard, oil, honey, and the baking soda extinguished with lemon. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
2. Place the mixture over low heat and let it boil, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil (about 2-3 boils). This will help develop the flavors.
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add the milk and start incorporating the flour gradually. Mix until you obtain a soft dough that is easy to roll out.
4. If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the layers will not roll out well.

Step 2: Baking the Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil.
2. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into thin layers (about 3-4 mm thick) and place them in the tray.
3. Bake each layer for 7-8 minutes, or until they become lightly golden. Be careful not to leave them too long as they may lose their crispness.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream

1. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. When it starts to boil, add the semolina, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture until it thickens, then let it cool.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the margarine with the sugar until it becomes creamy. Add the cooled semolina cream, lemon zest, and juice, mixing well until homogeneous. The lemon aroma will give your cream a fresh and invigorating taste.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Place the first layer on a platter and spread some cream evenly.
2. Add a layer of apricot jam to add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant contrast of textures.
3. Continue layering with cream and jam, finishing with a layer on top.
4. Finally, dust the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant and appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Resting the Cake

1. Let the cake sit for a few hours (ideally overnight) to allow the layers to soften and the flavors to meld perfectly.
2. When you are ready to serve, cut the cake into desired shapes – it can be square, rectangular, or even triangular for an interesting appearance.

Serving and Combinations

The Bee Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also enjoy it alongside a glass of fresh fruit juice. Additionally, a delicious enhancement would be to serve it with vanilla ice cream or fluffy whipped cream, for a delightful contrast between warm and cold.

Tips and Variations

- You can experiment with different jams, such as peach or blueberry jam, to change the flavor of the cake.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the semolina cream.
- Using butter instead of margarine will provide a richer taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, while delicious, is also a source of energy due to the natural sugars from honey and jam, and the semolina provides a fiber boost. The lemon not only adds a fresh flavor but is also a good source of vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but be mindful of the dough's consistency.

2. What is the best way to store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best taste.

The Bee Cake is definitely a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and will be appreciated by all who taste it. Try this recipe and let your imagination soar!