Cake Night and Day

Night and Day Cake: A Contrasting Delight

The Night and Day Cake is a recipe that perfectly blends two distinct worlds: a fluffy, yellow sponge base full of flavor, and a decadent cocoa filling, all topped with a smooth cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate. This cake is not just a dessert; it is a culinary story that reminds us of beautiful moments spent around the table, sharing joy with loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the Sponge

- 5 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the Cream

- 200 g of butter, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- ½ liter of milk
- 250 g of sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- Grated chocolate for decoration

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the Eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure that no yolk remains in the egg whites to achieve a perfect foam.

2. Whipping the Egg Whites: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.

3. Adding the Yolks: Carefully incorporate the yolks, folding them in with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Slowly add this mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the oil. Gently mix to maintain the foam.

5. Cocoa: Divide the mixture in half. In one half, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and mix well.

6. Preparing the Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper greased with a little butter. Pour the yellow mixture into one half of the pan and the cocoa mixture into the other half.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Cooking the Flour: In a saucepan, combine the 4 tablespoons of flour with the milk and cook over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture becomes a thick paste.

2. Whipping the Butter: In a bowl, cream the butter with the sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla essence until smooth. Add the flour paste and mix well. If the cream is too thick, you can add a little milk or lemon juice to thin it out.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Cooling the Sponge: Once the sponge has cooled, cut it in half along the line that separates the two colors.

2. Soaking the Layers: Prepare a strong, cooled coffee and soak each layer with a few tablespoons of coffee to add moisture and rich flavor.

3. Filling the Cake: Place one layer on a serving platter and fill it with the prepared cream. Cover it with the other layer and spread the remaining cream on top of the cake.

4. Decorating: Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for a sophisticated look and added flavor.

Chef's Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, add a few drops of rum essence to the buttercream. You can also use high-quality cocoa for a more intense taste. If desired, you can add some fresh fruits between the cream layers, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a delicious contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also serve it with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Nutritional Benefits

While the Night and Day Cake is a dessert, it can provide an energy boost due to the natural sugars and healthy fats from the butter. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, and lemon adds a dose of vitamin C, essential for immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can the cake be made without cocoa? Yes, you can omit the cocoa and use only the yellow mixture for a simple, flavorful cake.
- Can I substitute the butter? You can use margarine or coconut oil for a healthier option, but the taste will vary.
- How long does the cake last? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

The Night and Day Cake is not just a dessert; it is an experience that brings together different textures and flavors. With every bite, you will feel how the flavors intertwine, creating a true symphony of tastes. Enjoy this cake in the company of loved ones and savor every moment!