Berry cake

Berry Cake: An Elegant and Flavorful Delight

If you're looking for a dessert that impresses with elegance and taste, the berry cake is the perfect choice. This cake not only looks sensational but also brings an explosion of intense flavors, thanks to the fresh berries. Although it may seem complicated, preparing it is actually very accessible. I invite you to discover with me the necessary steps to create this delight!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the base
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)

For the cream
- 400 g of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or currants)
- 200 g of cottage cheese
- 200 g of liquid cream
- 200 g of powdered sugar

For the rectangular base (for modeling)
- 30 g of berry puree (from those used earlier)
- 30 g of butter
- 20 g of flour
- 20 g of sugar

For the rectangular base
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Vanilla essence (1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the main base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a round baking pan (24 cm in diameter) greased with a little oil and dusted with flour.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This is a crucial step for achieving a fluffy base.
3. Gradually add the egg yolks, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
4. Continue to incorporate the sugar, vanilla essence, and oil. Mix well.
5. Finally, add the flour mixed with baking powder and fold in with a spatula using gentle up-and-down movements.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the fruit cream

1. While the base is baking, you can prepare the cream. Blend the berries in a blender or food processor until you obtain a smooth puree.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.
3. Add the fruit puree and then the whipped cream. Gently mix to keep the air in the cream.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cream for 2 hours. This step will help the cream to thicken and become easy to apply on the base.

Step 3: Creating the pattern on the rectangular base

1. Mix the butter with the sugar, berry puree, and flour.
2. Use a sheet with a desired pattern, place it on a baking tray, and cover with transparent baking paper.
3. Use a piping bag to draw the desired pattern with the prepared mixture.
4. Place the tray in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden the pattern.

Step 4: Preparing the rectangular base

1. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, add the oil and vanilla essence.
2. Incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder.
3. Remove the tray from the freezer and pour the mixture over the hardened pattern, smoothing the surface well.
4. Bake the rectangular base for 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Assembling the cake

1. Once the round base has cooled, cut it into 3 equal parts.
2. Place a cake ring on a platter and place the first part of the base.
3. Add a layer of fruit cream, continuing to alternate the bases and cream, finishing with cream on top.
4. Cut the rectangular base in half and place it around the cake, with the patterned side facing outwards.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to set well.

Step 6: Decorating and serving

1. After it has been in the fridge, carefully remove the ring.
2. You can decorate the cake with fresh fruits, grated chocolate, or coconut flakes, depending on your preferences.
3. Cut the cake into slices and serve it cold. It is perfect alongside a cup of tea or a fragrant coffee.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- You can vary the berries according to the season or your preferences, thus obtaining a different cake each time.
- The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the taste is best within the first 24 hours after assembly.

Nutritional benefits

This berry cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fruits. The cottage cheese adds a good source of protein, while the cream gives it a creamy texture.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.

2. What other toppings could I use?
Dried fruits, caramel sauce, or melted chocolate are all delicious options.

3. How can I make this cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use more tart fruits.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a vegan substitute and the cream with a plant-based version.

The berry cake is a dessert that will not only bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones but will also transform any occasion into a special moment. Whether it's a birthday, a picnic, or simply an afternoon with friends, this cake will surely be the star of your table. Enjoy!