Cake - happy birthday to me :D

Cake "Happy Birthday to Me" – A Delight for Celebration

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Are you dreaming of a cake that celebrates your birthday in a truly special way? Then the "Happy Birthday to Me" cake recipe is exactly what you need! This cake is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, featuring ingredients that blend perfectly to create an unforgettable experience.

Your magical ingredients

For the base:
- 150 g butter (choose high-quality butter for a rich taste)
- 150 g sugar (refined white sugar is ideal, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a more intense flavor)
- 3 eggs (preferably at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 270 g flour (use white wheat flour for a fluffy base)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or, if you have it, a fresh vanilla pod for an authentic taste)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (make sure it's fresh for an airy texture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (this will activate the baking soda and add a note of freshness)
- a pinch of salt (the salt will balance the sweetness)
- 2 bananas (preferably well-ripened for an intense flavor)

For the filling:
- sour cream (about 500 g, use full-fat sour cream for maximum creaminess)
- sugar (3-4 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
- cinnamon (a pinch, adds a warm and familiar flavor)

For decoration:
- colorful sprinkles (choose them according to your preferences, you can also use fresh fruits or grated chocolate)

Steps for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, making it much easier to mix and create an airy cream.

2. Butter cream: Cut the butter into cubes and add it to a large bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar over the soft butter. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored cream. This step is essential for obtaining an airy base.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the first egg to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well. Continue with the second and third eggs, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. These eggs will add the necessary structure and moisture to the cake.

4. Banana puree: In a blender, place the two bananas and add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste. These bananas not only enhance the cake's flavor but also make it moister and tastier.

5. Combining dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step will ensure that the ingredients mix evenly and there will be no lumps in the batter.

6. Mixing the composition: Add the banana paste to the butter and egg cream, mixing gently. Then, gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until there are no traces of flour left. Do not overmix to avoid a dense base.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the batter into cake pans lined with parchment paper or greased with butter. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful, each oven bakes differently, so check the cake after 30 minutes.

8. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; if it doesn't cool completely, the cream will start to melt.

9. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, whip the sour cream with sugar and cinnamon until it becomes firm. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to how sweet you like it. This mixture will add a layer of flavor and creaminess to the cake.

10. Assembling the cake: Once the layers are completely cooled, cut them horizontally with a sharp knife to create two equal parts. Spread half of the sour cream on the first layer, then place the second layer on top.

11. Decorating: Use the remaining sour cream to cover the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with colorful sprinkles, fresh fruits, or grated chocolate, according to your preference. Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for the cream to set.

My personal tip: This cake is perfect to be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing lemonade, which will complement the delicious flavors. You can experiment with various toppings such as toasted nuts or coconut flakes to add a distinctive touch.

Nutritional values (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g

It's important to enjoy the cooking process! This cake is not just a dessert, but a celebration experience. Whether it's a special day or you simply want to treat your family, the "Happy Birthday to Me" cake is the perfect choice. Try it and enjoy every bite!