Birthday cake dessert

Birthday cake with mascarpone cream and fondant

Today I present to you a spectacular recipe for a birthday cake, perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. This delicious cake, with fluffy layers, fine mascarpone cream, and an elegant fondant covering, will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Let's begin this culinary adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of oil instead of sunflower oil?
- Yes, you can use canola oil or coconut oil for a different flavor.
2. How can I replace Nutella if I don’t have it?
- You can use hazelnut spread or a similar chocolate spread.
3. What is the best way to color fondant?
- Use gel or powder food coloring, as they provide more vibrant colors.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the cake base:*
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 180 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 90 ml hot water
- 60 ml oil (sunflower or other type)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder

*For cream 1:*
- 200 g liquid cream
- 200 g white chocolate
- 150 g cream cheese

*For cream 2:*
- 500 g mascarpone
- 500 g Nutella

*For the fondant:*
- 1 packet gelatin granules
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- Powdered sugar (approximately 800-900 g, sifted)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the cake base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier foam.
- Beat the egg whites with half of the sugar until they form a firm, glossy foam. This is a crucial step to ensure an airy texture for the cake base.
- In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining sugar until you achieve a light-colored, creamy mixture.
- Gradually add the oil and continue mixing, then mix the cocoa with hot water to avoid lumps, and pour the mixture over the yolks. Mix well to integrate the ingredients.

2. Combining the ingredients:
- Sift the flour together with the baking powder and add it to the yolk mixture. Gently fold to create a thick batter.
- Using a spatula, take some of this batter and add it to the egg white foam, carefully folding in a bottom-up motion until perfectly integrated. It's important not to overmix to avoid losing air from the batter.

3. Baking the cake base:
- Line a cake pan with baking paper and pour in the batter. Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake base to cool completely.

4. Preparing the creams:
- *Cream 1:* In a bowl, whip the liquid cream until firm. Add the melted white chocolate (using a bain-marie or microwave) and cream cheese. Mix until you get a smooth mixture.
- *Cream 2:* In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with Nutella until well combined. This will be a rich cream with an intense chocolate flavor.

5. Assembling the cake:
- Cut the cake base into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Without soaking the base, spread part of cream 1 on the first layer of cake.
- Add the second layer of cake and spread cream 2 evenly. You can repeat the process if you have cut the cake into three parts.
- Finally, cover the cake with the remaining cream 1, ensuring it is evenly distributed on all sides.

6. Preparing the fondant:
- Place the gelatin granules with water over a steam bath until completely dissolved. Add honey and margarine and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, place the sifted powdered sugar and add the hot gelatin mixture. Stir with a spoon until it becomes a smooth mixture.
- Transfer the mixture onto a work surface dusted with powdered sugar and knead until it becomes an elastic paste that no longer sticks to your hands. Add food coloring as desired.

7. Covering the cake:
- Roll out the fondant using a rolling pin on a lightly powdered surface with powdered sugar. Cover the cake with the fondant, ensuring it is evenly distributed on the sides and top.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator to set and allow the flavors to develop; it is best to leave it overnight.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce for a delicious contrast of textures. A refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or lemonade, will pair perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
- This cake, while delicious, is high in calories due to the sugar and fats in the creams. However, ingredients like mascarpone cheese provide protein and calcium, while chocolate brings antioxidants.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla or almond extracts to the creams. Also, for a touch of freshness, try adding pieces of fresh fruit between the layers of cake.

In conclusion, this birthday cake with mascarpone cream and fondant is a dessert that will not only impress visually but will also delight the taste buds. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share this delicacy with your loved ones!