Birthday Cake

Birthday Cake - The Perfect Recipe for Celebrating Special Moments

The Birthday Cake is undoubtedly a classic and cherished choice for any festive occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or an important achievement, this cake with buttercream and cocoa, fine glaze, and soaked layers will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Its preparation may seem daunting at first glance, but with this detailed recipe, you will achieve a result worthy of any pastry shop.

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

Ingredients

For the cake layers:
- 7 fresh eggs
- 350 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 150 ml oil

For the cocoa cream:
- 250 g butter at room temperature
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 egg yolks

For the glaze (whipped cream):
- 300 g unpasteurized sour cream
- 300 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For the soaking syrup:
- 800 ml water
- 8-10 tablespoons sugar

For the chocolate leaves:
- 3 squares of cooking chocolate

Preparing the Cake Layers

1. Separating the Eggs: Start by separating the yolks from the whites. It is essential that the bowl in which you beat the whites is completely clean and dry to achieve a perfect foam.

2. Mixing the Yolks: In a deep bowl, add the yolks, 150 g of the total sugar, a pinch of salt, and the baking powder. Using a mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes a thick cream, the consistency of sour cream. Make sure to use a bowl with a rounded bottom to avoid sticking.

3. Preparing the Whites: In another bowl, beat the whites until a light foam forms. Gradually add the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm foam.

4. Combining the Ingredients: In the bowl with the yolks, add 2 tablespoons of flour, then the oil alternating with another 2 tablespoons of flour. Finally, fold in the whites mixture and the remaining flour. Mix with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the composition.

5. Baking the Layers: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if it is done using the toothpick method.

Preparing the Cream

1. Beating the Butter: In a bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. This process may take a few minutes, but it is essential to achieve an airy texture.

2. Adding the Yolks and Cocoa: Add the yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the cocoa and mix until homogeneous.

3. Color Variation: If you want a cream of another color, replace the cocoa with beet syrup or squeezed spinach juice.

Preparing the Whipped Cream for the Glaze

1. Whipping the Cream: In a cold bowl, whip the sour cream with sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a consistent composition. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will curdle.

Creating the Chocolate Leaves

1. Melting the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once melted, pour the chocolate into a piping bag or a paper cone.

2. Forming the Leaves: On a sheet of paper, pour the chocolate into the shape of oak leaves. Place them in the freezer until they harden.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the Layers: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into 3 equal layers.

2. Soaking the Layers: Prepare the syrup from water and 8-10 tablespoons of sugar, bringing it to a boil. Soak each layer of cake with this syrup so that it becomes moist and flavorful.

3. Adding the Cream: Spread a generous layer of cream between each two layers of cake.

4. Glazing the Cake: Cover the entire surface of the cake with the whipped cream prepared earlier. Use a spatula to achieve an even and attractive finish.

5. Decorating with Leaves: Place the chocolate leaves on the surface of the cake to add a decorative and delicious element.

Serving

Serve the cake with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, alongside friends and family. I encourage you to add a personal touch by writing a message on a decorative label placed on the cake.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although rich in calories, also offers a range of nutrients due to its ingredients. The butter and eggs provide healthy fats and proteins, while cocoa brings antioxidants. Of course, it is best to consume in moderation, but a slice of cake can be a pleasant part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the butter with margarine? Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap.
- Can I use other flavors for the cream? Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla, almond, or even coffee extracts.

Possible Variations

- Fruit Cake: Add a layer of fresh fruit between the cocoa cream and the cake layers for a note of freshness.
- Nut Cake: Incorporate ground nuts into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Birthday Cake is not just a simple dessert, but an experience that brings joy and indulgence to any celebration. With a little patience and creativity, you will manage to create a cake worthy of admiration and enjoyment. So, put on your chef's gear and let the fun begin! Enjoy and may you have many happy anniversaries!