Cake table

Board Game Cake - A Delicacy Inspired by the Game of Backgammon

When it comes to celebrating important moments, a customized cake can add a special and memorable touch. Recently, I thought about surprising my father, an avid backgammon player, by preparing a cake that reflects not only my love but also his passion. Thus, I created a delicious cake that resembles a game board. I invite you to discover this captivating recipe that will turn any birthday into an unforgettable celebration!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 10 eggs
- 20 tablespoons of flour
- 20 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 vanilla essence

For the chocolate cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 500 ml of sweet milk
- 50 g raisins
- 30 ml Amaretto (or other preferred liqueur)
- 1 package of chocolate cream (like Stilo)

For the syrup:
- 500 ml of water
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

For decoration:
- Fondant (enough to cover the cake)
- Food coloring (optional)
- 1 package of unsalted butter (about 200 g)
- 100 g powdered sugar

Cake Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the whites, as this could affect the whipping.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Use a kitchen robot or mixer to whip the egg whites until a firm foam forms. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a shiny and firm meringue.

3. Adding dry ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and cocoa into the meringue using a spatula to maintain air in the mixture. Add the vanilla essence and mix again.

4. Baking: Pour the mixture into a rectangular pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (medium heat) for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Cream

1. Whipping the yolks: In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes light in color.

2. Incorporating the flour: Add the flour and mix well to avoid lumps.

3. Preparing the pudding: Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add the yolk-flour mixture while continuously stirring. Cook in a double boiler until the mixture thickens, being careful not to let it boil.

4. Adding flavoring ingredients: Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the raisins and Amaretto liqueur. Allow the cream to cool before adding the chocolate cream, mixing well.

Step 3: Preparing the Syrup

1. Boiling the syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, cut it horizontally into two equal layers.

2. Soaking the layers: Use a brush to soak each layer with the prepared syrup, ensuring the cake remains moist and fluffy.

3. Adding the cream: Spread a generous layer of chocolate cream on the first layer, then place the second layer on top.

4. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Decorating the Cake

1. Preparing the buttercream: In a bowl, beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar for about 15 minutes until creamy and airy.

2. Covering the cake: Use the buttercream to evenly cover the cake, ensuring there are no uncovered areas.

3. Applying fondant: If you desire an elegant look, roll out the fondant and cover the cake. You can use food coloring to create personalized decorations.

4. Decorating: Add sweet decorations, such as marzipan figures or other edible adornments, that reflect the theme of backgammon.

Serving and Variations

This cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of sweet wine or chocolate liqueur.

Variations: If you wish to experiment, you can replace Amaretto with another preferred liqueur or add ground nuts to the cream mixture for added texture. Additionally, the cake can be enriched with dark chocolate pieces or candied fruits.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, while indulgent, can be a good choice when consumed in moderation. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the thickness of the slices. Ingredients like raisins and cocoa provide antioxidants and fiber, while butter offers healthy fats essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the eggs with plant-based alternatives? Yes, you can use banana puree or soy yogurt as an egg alternative to make the cake more vegan-friendly.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Personal Notes

This cake brought a lot of joy not only to my father but to the entire family. Every slice was savored with smiles and memories. Celebrations are perfect occasions to share unique moments, and a cake made with love can turn any ordinary day into a special one. Perhaps your next creation will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones!

So, get ready to start cooking! This board game cake is not just a dessert but a true culinary experience filled with love and creativity. Happy cooking!