Cake Ioana - Happy birthday to all the recipes that bear the name of Saint John

The "Ioana" Cake - A Sweet Celebration for Loved Ones

On a special day, when we want to bring a smile to the faces of our loved ones, nothing is more fitting than a well-made cake. The "Ioana" cake is a unique recipe that combines tender layers with delicious creams, making it perfect for celebrating important moments. Whether it's a loved one's birthday or simply a desire to treat your family, this cake will surely be appreciated.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients:

For the chocolate layer:
- 3 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 3 tablespoons Nesquik
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional)

For the roll layer:
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 3 tablespoons Nesquik

For the roll cream:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 100 g butter
- 150 g powdered milk
- 50 g coconut

For the dark chocolate cream:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 350 ml liquid cream

For the white chocolate cream:
- 150 g white chocolate
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 5 g gelatin

For the strawberry cream:
- 100 ml strawberry liqueur
- 50 g chocolate
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 5 g gelatin

For the syrup:
- 50 ml water
- 50 g sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons chocolate liqueur

Whether you have kitchen experience or are an enthusiastic beginner, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a spectacular cake.

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. Chocolate layer: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt using a mixer until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes light in color. This will add air and make the layer light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the flour and Nesquik, folding gently with a spatula from the bottom up to retain the air in the mixture.
3. Divide the mixture into two baking pans lined with parchment paper (24 cm in diameter) and bake in a preheated oven at medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the layers spring back when touched.

4. Roll layer: Use the same technique as above, but add cocoa powder instead of Nesquik. After baking, turn the layer onto a sheet of parchment sprinkled with sugar and carefully roll it up, allowing it to cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Creams

5. Roll cream: Boil the water with the sugar until it forms a syrup. Remove from heat and add the butter. Stir until melted, then incorporate the powdered milk and coconut. Spread the cream evenly over the cooled layer and roll it up again. Refrigerate for a few hours.

6. Dark chocolate cream: Melt the chocolate broken into small pieces with 200 ml of liquid cream. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir until the chocolate is melted. Let it cool. When it starts to thicken, add the remaining whipped cream and mix until you achieve a fluffy cream.

7. White chocolate cream: Soak the gelatin in 2 tablespoons of cold water. Melt the white chocolate with 200 ml of cream, then let it cool. Add the hydrated gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Whip the remaining cream and fold it into the white chocolate mixture.

8. Strawberry cream: Follow a similar process to the white chocolate cream, but use dark chocolate and add the strawberry liqueur.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

9. In the pan where you baked the layers, place one of the layers, soak it with the syrup made from water and sugar. Arrange slices of the roll around the edges, then spread the dark chocolate cream over the entire surface.

10. Using an ice cream scoop, form balls from the strawberry cream and place them in the center of the cake, arranging them in a flower shape. Surround with the white chocolate cream.

11. Cover with the second layer, soak it, and refrigerate the cake for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

Step 4: Decorating

12. When you're ready to serve the cake, invert it onto a platter. Decorate generously with whipped cream and add chocolate balls for an elegant and appetizing look.

Helpful Tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh eggs for better texture. The quality of the ingredients makes a difference in pastry recipes.
- Gelatin: Ensure the gelatin is well-hydrated to achieve a firm cream.
- Decoration: You can add fresh fruits or grated chocolate for a more attractive appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes, you can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the creams or choose chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
3. Is it possible to make the cake without alcohol? Of course, you can omit the strawberry liqueur or use a fruit syrup instead.

Possible Variations

- Fruit cake: Replace the strawberry cream with a berry cream for a fresh variation.
- Gluten-free layer: Use almond flour or rice flour to make the cake gluten-free.

Recommended Pairings

This absolutely delicious cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet wine. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake adds a refreshing touch.

The "Ioana" cake is not just a dessert; it's a heartfelt experience that brings people together. So, get ready to receive compliments and smiles from your loved ones with this special recipe. Happy birthday to all the Ioanas, and remember, every taste is a memory!