Berry Cake

Berry Cake – A Fluffy and Fruity Delight

Who doesn’t love a cake that combines the sweetness of fruits with a fluffy texture and a smooth cream? The berry cake is an ideal choice for any occasion, from birthdays to summer parties. This recipe will not only impress with its spectacular appearance, but it will also satisfy the most discerning tastes. So, let’s start our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 70 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

*For the sponge:*
- 8 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of orange zest

*For the cream:*
- 450 g frozen berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- 150 g sugar
- 15 g gelatin
- 500 g liquid cream
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 150 ml berry juice
- Juice from a can of pineapple or apricot compote
- 1 packet of cream stabilizer

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sponge:
- Start by preheating the oven to 150°C. Prepare a springform cake pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, gently mixing after each addition. Also, add the orange zest for a subtle flavor.
- Sift the flour and gradually fold it into the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon, with gentle up-and-down motions to maintain the aeration of the batter. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy sponge!

2. Baking the sponge:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface. Bake for 35 minutes or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the sponge; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready).
- After baking, let the sponge cool completely in the pan, then remove the parchment paper.

3. Preparing the cream:
- Meanwhile, drain the frozen berries in a colander, allowing them to thaw. Once thawed, blend them with the sugar until you achieve a smooth puree.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a little berry juice, then add it to the rest of the juice, which you warm gently. Mix well and pour this warm mixture over the fruit puree, stirring continuously.
- Whip the liquid cream with the cream stabilizer until firm, and fold it into the fruit puree, mixing carefully.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie and, once slightly cooled, add it to the fruit cream.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Cut the sponge in half with a large, sharp knife. Ensure the cut is even for an attractive appearance.
- Soak the first half of the sponge with the juice from the compote using a brush.
- Add a generous portion of fruit cream and place some slices of strawberries or other desired fruits on top. These will not only add sweetness but also give a vibrant look to the cake.
- Place the other half of the sponge on top and soak it as well. Cover the cake with an even layer of cream on top and on the sides.

5. Decorating and cooling:
- You can decorate the cake with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or grated chocolate, according to your preferences. If you want an elegant look, leave the edges of the cake without cream to highlight the pattern.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour to set the cream.

6. Serving:
- After removing the cake from the fridge, carefully turn it onto a serving platter. Cut it into slices and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. Another wonderful option would be to serve it with a glass of sparkling wine for a festive touch.

Useful tips and tricks:
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits to enhance the taste and aroma of the cake.
- If you have time, let the sponge cool completely before cutting; this will prevent it from cracking.
- You can experiment with different combinations of fruits to achieve various flavors, such as mango or kiwi.

Nutritional benefits:
The berry cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, having anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain dietary fiber, which can aid digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I keep the cake longer? You can store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped.
- What can I use instead of gelatin? You can use agar-agar for a vegan version of the cake.

This berry cake is definitely a recipe that will bring smiles and joy to all who savor it. Whether it’s for a celebration, a picnic, or simply a sunny day, this dessert will always find its place on your table. Enjoy!