Bee Cake

Bee Cake - A Delicacy with Honey Ice Cream Flavor

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

The Bee Cake is a dessert with a delicate taste and a soft texture that evokes childhood memories. This recipe, inspired by sweet traditions, combines the natural sweetness of honey with the creaminess of semolina cream, all enveloped between tender layers. It is a perfect dessert to be served on special occasions or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.

Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g honey
- 100 g butter (82% fat, for a rich texture)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- vinegar (to extinguish the baking soda)
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (to improve texture)
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla essence

Ingredients needed for the cream:
- 1 liter milk
- 16 tablespoons semolina (or as needed)
- 150 g sugar
- lemon zest (for an extra flavor)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- vanilla essence

Filling:
- plum or rose hip jam (a slightly sour jam for a pleasant contrast)

For decoration:
- powdered sugar

Preparing the Dough:

1. Start with Honey and Butter: In a saucepan, add honey, butter, sugar, and salt. Place over medium to low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely melts and the mixture starts to foam. This process will add a caramelized flavor to the dough.

2. Cool the Mixture: Once the sugar has melted and the mixture is homogeneous, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool. This step is very important, as the hot mixture should not be added directly to the flour.

3. Sifting the Flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the baking soda extinguished in a few drops of vinegar. Baking soda is essential for achieving a fluffy texture, so do not skip it!

4. Creating the Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the honey mixture, egg, and milk. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything until you get a homogeneous dough.

5. Dividing the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal parts. Each part will become a layer of the cake.

6. Preparing the Baking Tray: Line a 37x25 cm tray with baking paper, grease it with oil, and sprinkle a little flour. This step will prevent the layers from sticking.

7. Baking the Layers: Roll out each part of the dough into thin layers and prick them with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes. Check constantly, as the layers can brown quickly. Ideally, remove them when they turn golden.

Preparing the Cream:

1. Boiling the Milk: Bring the milk to a boil in a large pot. When it starts to boil, gradually add the semolina while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

2. Cooking the Cream: Continue stirring for about 15 minutes until the cream thickens.

3. Flavoring: Add the lemon zest and sprinkle powdered sugar on top to prevent a skin from forming. This technique also applies to puddings and vanilla creams.

4. Combining with Butter: Let the cream cool slightly, then mix a few tablespoons of it with the soft butter. Gradually add the rest of the cream, mixing well to obtain a uniform and creamy composition.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Cream Layer: Place the first layer of dough on a platter and spread the semolina cream evenly on top. This will be the first delicious layer.

2. Jam Filling: Add the second layer of dough and spread the plum or rose hip jam. The slightly sour taste of the jam will add a pleasant contrast.

3. Other Layers: Continue with the next layer of dough, add the semolina cream again, and finish with the last layer.

4. Decoration: If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cake, but only on the cut slices to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations:

The Bee Cake can be served plain, but it can also be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. Additionally, a fragrant fruit tea will perfectly complement this delicacy. If you are fond of unique combinations, try serving the cake with a caramel or chocolate sauce!

Nutritional Information:

A serving of Bee Cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact quantities of ingredients used. This cake contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar, proteins from egg and milk, as well as healthy fats from butter. Additionally, honey adds a boost of antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to various other cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of jam? Yes, you can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry, but choose one with a slightly sour taste to balance the sweetness of the cake.

2. How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before putting it in the freezer.

3. Is a gluten-free version possible? You can use gluten-free flour, but make sure to follow the specific proportions and techniques to achieve the correct texture.

4. How often can I make this cake? The Bee Cake is perfect for any occasion and can be made whenever you crave a sweet and flavorful dessert.

With every bite of the Bee Cake, you will discover not just a delicious dessert but also stories and memories beyond the simple recipe. Share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy the moments spent together around a table full of goodies!