Cake for Teo!

Cake for Teo! A sweet celebration for little Teodora

Every birthday is a special occasion, but when it comes to little Teodora, everything becomes magical. Yesterday we celebrated her day, and today, on the occasion of Ștef's anniversary, I decided to finish this delicious cake that will bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. This cake recipe is simple but full of flavors, and the combination of fruits and cream makes it irresistible. Let's embark on the adventure of making this special cake, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

Base
- 5 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 30 ml mineral water

Cream
- 500 ml whipped cream (ideally, a mix of homemade sour cream and vegetable whipped cream)
- 3 large apricots (or other seasonal fruits like peaches or plums)
- 1 packet of pudding (vanilla or caramel)
- 500 ml milk
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)

Syrup
- 300 ml water
- 100 g honey

Decoration
- Ground nuts (optional)
- Meringues (for a playful look)

Steps to follow

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help achieve a fluffy base. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. It is important to use a bowl that contains no fats; otherwise, the egg whites will not whip well.
3. Adding sugar: Continue to beat the egg whites and gradually add the sugar until you achieve a firm foam that forms peaks.
4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one by one, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is when your base will start to become rich and creamy.
5. Flour and cocoa: Sift the flour and cocoa together over the egg mixture and gently mix to avoid losing air.
6. Mineral water: Finally, add the mineral water, mixing gently. This will help the base rise and provide an airy texture.
7. Baking: Line a cake pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the base to cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Beating the whipped cream: Whip the cream until firm. If using homemade sour cream, mix it with the vegetable whipped cream for a unique taste and texture.
2. Preparing the pudding: Prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the packet, using 500 ml of milk. Stir constantly to avoid forming a skin.
3. Incorporating the gelatin: When the pudding is warm, add the hydrated gelatin according to the instructions on the packet. Mix well to incorporate it.
4. The fruits: Cut the apricots into small cubes (or the chosen fruits) and add them to the whipped cream, mixing gently.
5. Combining the ingredients: Add the cooled pudding to the whipped cream and fruit mixture, stirring carefully.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. The syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and honey. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Cool the syrup slightly.
2. Cutting the base: Cut the base into 3 equal discs. It is easier if you use a long, sharp knife, making gentle movements.
3. Soaking: Place the first disc on a platter and generously soak it with the honey syrup. Then, add a layer of cream, smoothing it with a spatula.
4. Repeating: Repeat the process with the other base discs, ensuring each layer is well-moistened and covered with cream.
5. Decorating: After placing the last disc, decorate the cake with meringues and ground nuts, or let your imagination run wild! You can also add fresh fruits on top.

Serving suggestions
This cake is perfect to be served at a party, alongside a cup of fruit tea or a glass of champagne. You can also pair the cake with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional information
Each serving of cake contains approximately 350 calories, making it a sweet yet nutritious choice due to the fresh fruits and sour cream.

Possible variations
- Replace apricots with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a different flavor.
- Experiment with pudding flavors, trying chocolate or caramel flavors for a unique experience.
- If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the base or syrup.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of flour for the base?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may change.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for 3-4 days.

3. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cream.

This cake for Teo is not just a dessert, but a true cooking experience, full of love and creativity. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, and the memories created around this table will remain in the hearts of loved ones forever. So don't hesitate to bring a piece of this magic into your life!