Bohemian Cake

Bohemian Cake: A Delicacy with Unique Charm

When it comes to celebrations and special moments, an elegant and delicious cake is always an inspired choice. Today, I invite you to prepare together a Bohemian Cake, a beloved recipe that combines fine textures and intense flavors, perfect for celebrating an anniversary or simply to indulge yourself. This recipe, inspired by the classic Bohemian dessert, adds a touch of sparkle with a chocolate border, giving the cake a festive and attractive appearance.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2-4 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons water

For the syrup:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml water

For the cream:
- 1 egg
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 70 g butter
- 3 teaspoons instant coffee
- 2 teaspoons cappuccino
- 300 ml whipped cream

For decoration:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 100 g coffee chocolate

For the chocolate glaze:
- 50 g chocolate
- 2 teaspoons butter

A Brief History

The Bohemian Cake has its roots in pastry traditions, being a popular delicacy in various cultures. It is a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the delicacy of whipped cream, often served on special occasions. The chocolate border we will add not only enhances the appearance but also intensifies the flavor of the cake.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the base:
We start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a clean bowl, we beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until we achieve a firm foam. Then, we gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff.

Once the egg whites are ready, we incorporate the yolks one by one, followed by the 3 tablespoons of water. Using a spatula, we will add the flour mixed with cocoa, being careful not to deflate the foam. We pour the mixture into a round 26 cm pan lined with baking paper or aluminum foil.

2. Baking the base:
We preheat the oven to 175°C and bake the base for 25-30 minutes. We check if it is baked using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. We remove the base from the pan and let it cool on a rack.

3. Preparing the syrup:
In a small saucepan, we caramelize the 2 tablespoons of sugar until it turns golden. Carefully, we add 100 ml of cold water and let it boil until the sugar completely dissolves. This syrup will add moisture and flavor to our base.

4. Preparing the cream:
In another bowl, we mix the egg with the sugar, instant coffee, and cappuccino. We place the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the cream starts to boil. Once the mixture is homogeneous, we take it off the heat and let it cool.

In another bowl, we whip the 300 ml of cream, then carefully incorporate the cooled cream, mixing for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.

5. Assembling the cake:
On a flat plate, we place the cooled base, surrounded by the removable ring of the pan. We generously soak the base with the previously prepared syrup, then add the cream on top, leveling it with a spatula.

We whip the remaining 200 ml of cream and carefully spread it over the cream. We grate the coffee chocolate on top as decoration and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or even longer, to firm up.

6. Preparing the chocolate glaze:
To make the glaze, we melt the chocolate with 2 teaspoons of butter in a double boiler, stirring until we obtain a smooth mixture. We let the glaze cool slightly, then place it in a plastic bag which we cut at a small corner. We decorate the edge of the cake with the chocolate glaze, allowing it to drip down the sides.

We return the cake to the refrigerator to set the glaze, preferably overnight.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use quality ingredients, especially chocolate and cream, to achieve a rich taste and creamy texture. Coffee chocolate adds a deep and elegant flavor.
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water. Use margarine instead of butter and plant-based cream to keep the recipe animal product-free.
- Share the love: Instead of making one large cake, you can prepare individual mini cakes, perfect for sharing with friends.

Delicious Pairings

The Bohemian Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, such as red fruit tea or green tea with mint. Additionally, vanilla or coffee ice cream alongside a slice of cake will create an unforgettable dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Of course! Brown sugar adds a caramel note to the cake, while coconut sugar is a healthy alternative.

2. Why should I use water in the base?
Water helps achieve a moister and softer texture for the base, making it less dry.

3. How can I tell when the cream is ready?
The cream is ready when the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes slightly viscous.

This Bohemian Cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience you can share with loved ones. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or simply want to treat yourself, this cake will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, put on your chef's gloves and let’s enjoy the magic of cooking together!