Birthday cake

Delicious Birthday Cake: A Memorable Dessert

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Do you want to impress your guests or celebrate a special moment? A birthday cake is always an excellent choice! This detailed recipe, full of flavors, combines a soft cocoa base with two delicious creams for a spectacular final result. Let me show you step by step how to create this tasty dessert that will surely become the star of your party!

The Story of the Recipe

The birthday cake is a tradition that dates back to ancient times, symbolizing not only the joy of celebration but also the desire to share happy moments with loved ones. Every family has its own favorite version, but today I will guide you to prepare a cake with a moist cocoa base and two fine creams that blend classic and modern flavors.

Necessary Ingredients

For the Base:
- 10 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of oil
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 250 g flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa

For Cream 1:
- 250 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- rum essence (1 teaspoon)
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 g margarine (at room temperature)

For Cream 2:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 150 ml whipping cream
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 150 ml milk
- a packet of whipping stabilizer

For Syrup:
- 150 ml water
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- rum essence (1 teaspoon)

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the Base
1. Start by separating the egg yolks from the whites. It is essential to use eggs at room temperature to achieve a fluffy base.
2. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with a pinch of salt, then add the 8 tablespoons of oil and mix well. Add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix until smooth.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding the powdered sugar until you obtain a firm meringue.
4. Carefully fold the yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites using a spatula to avoid losing air from the meringue.
5. Finally, add the flour gradually, mixing gently to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
6. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the base mixture, leveling it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it is done – it should come out clean.

2. Preparing Cream 1
1. In a bowl, add the 2 eggs, cornstarch, cocoa, rum essence, and powdered sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
2. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Transfer the mixture to a stainless steel pot and place it over low heat. Stir constantly until the cream thickens, having a consistency similar to pudding.
4. Once thickened, let the cream cool, then incorporate the margarine. Mix well until smooth.
5. Place the cream in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to firm up a bit.

3. Preparing Cream 2
1. Separate the yolk from the white of the 2 eggs. Beat the yolks with the mascarpone until creamy.
2. Beat the egg whites until frothy with the powdered sugar until you obtain a firm meringue.
3. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone cream.
4. Add the whipped cream (made from cream, milk, and the whipping stabilizer) and mix gently to avoid losing air.
5. Place the cream in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

4. Preparing the Syrup
1. Boil 150 ml of water with 5 tablespoons of sugar until completely dissolved.
2. Finally, add the rum essence and let it cool.

Assembling the Cake
1. Once the base has cooled, cut it into two or three layers, depending on your preferences.
2. Soak each layer with the rum syrup for added moisture and flavor.
3. Spread Cream 1 on the first layer, then add the second layer of base and repeat the process.
4. On the last layer, spread Cream 2, covering the entire cake evenly.
5. You can decorate the cake with grated chocolate, fresh fruits, or nuts for an attractive appearance.

Practical Tips
- Use quality ingredients! Organic eggs and high-quality cocoa can make a significant difference in the final taste of the cake.
- If you want an egg-free version, you can replace the eggs with yogurt or a mixture of banana puree and baking powder.
- The cake can be prepared a day before the party, allowing time to cool and the flavors to blend.

Pairings and Serving
This birthday cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of champagne or a sweet wine. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea can perfectly complement the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
Although it is a dessert, the cake also offers nutritional benefits due to ingredients like cocoa, which contains antioxidants, and eggs, which are a good source of protein. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or another type of creamy cheese, but the flavors will be different.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Replace wheat flour with almond flour or rice flour, being careful to adjust the amount of liquids in the recipe.

3. How long can the cake be kept?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed within the first 2 days to enjoy its freshness.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to start cooking! With each step, you will feel how a birthday cake full of love and passion takes shape. The final reward will be a fabulous dessert that brings joy to all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!