Berry cake

Berry Cake: A Delightful Treat Full of Flavors and Colors

Preparation time: 70 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10 people
Complexity: Medium

The history of berry cake is fascinating. This dessert blends tradition with innovation, making it a popular choice in many cultures. Berries, known for their sweet-tart flavor and richness in antioxidants, are often used in desserts due to their versatility. The cake we will prepare today is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to celebrate special moments in our lives.

Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel

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

For the dotted edge (optional):
- Half the amount of a regular sponge cake (e.g., 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of sugar)
- Cocoa for dots

Step-by-step instructions:

Preparing the base:
1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, placing the whites in a large bowl and adding a pinch of salt. Beat the egg whites until they become firm and fluffy.
2. Add one tablespoon of sugar at a time, continuing to beat until the sugar dissolves completely and the egg whites become glossy.
3. Incorporate the yolks, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
4. Sift the flour and add it gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon from the bottom up to maintain the air in the mixture. The orange peel adds a wonderful flavor, so don't skip it!
5. Line a cake pan with parchment paper and pour in the base mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if the base is baked; it should come out clean.

Preparing the cream:
1. Allow the frozen berries to thaw in a strainer, then mash them in a blender with the sugar until you obtain a smooth puree.
2. Dissolve the gelatin in a little warm fruit juice, then add this mixture to the remaining heated fruit juice. Mix well.
3. Pour the warm gelatin over the berry puree and mix well.
4. Whip the liquid cream with the whipping cream stabilizer until firm. Add the fruit puree and melted chocolate (the chocolate will not change the color of the cream but will add an intense flavor).

Assembling the cake:
1. Cut the base into two equal parts. Soak each piece with the juice from the pineapple or apricot compote using a brush.
2. Spread a generous layer of cream between the two bases, then add some halved strawberries or other preferred fruits.
3. Cover the cake with the second soaked base and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Decorating the cake:
1. Before serving, carefully remove the cake from the refrigerator and turn it onto a platter. Remove the plastic wrap.
2. Decorate the cake with colored whipped cream, leaving the edges without cream to highlight the pattern on the edge.
3. You can add fresh berries on top for a vibrant and appealing look.

Helpful tip: If you want a dotted edge, prepare a sponge cake using half the usual quantity. Draw circles on a sheet of parchment paper, then fill them with a mixture of sponge cake and cocoa. Freeze to set before adding the rest of the mixture.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as peaches or kiwi, or add a layer of jam for extra sweetness. The cake can also be served with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce to enhance the flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of berry cake contains approximately 350 calories, making it a relatively healthy choice due to the fruit content. Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing benefits for heart and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen fruit? Yes, but make sure they are well washed and cut.
2. What can I do if I don't have gelatin? You can use agar-agar, a vegan alternative to animal gelatin.
3. How can I keep the cake fresh? It is recommended to store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

This berry cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply as a treat on the weekend. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent with loved ones! Bon appétit!