Dessert - Cake, Viviana by Cornelia B. - Recipia
Cake "Viviana" – A Chocolate Delight for Special Moments

On a sunny day, as I watch my daughter, Viviana, savor a slice of cake, I realize that this recipe has become more than just a simple dessert. It is a family story, a symbol of joy and love, and chocolate, the main ingredient, is Viviana's favorite. I invite you to prepare this delicious cake with me, which will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This "Viviana" cake recipe is a perfect combination of fluffy sponge, caramel cream, and chocolate glaze, making it ideal for any special occasion.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 25 minutes
- Cooling: 4-6 hours (ideally overnight)
- Total: Approximately 6 hours
- Servings: 12 slices

Required Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 4 large eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 60 g flour
- 60 g starch
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 small cube of cooking chocolate (approximately 50 g)

For the caramel cream:
- 250 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 ml cream
- 1 essence of vanilla

For the syrup:
- 150 g sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 essence of rum

For the glaze:
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 120 ml liquid cream
- 50 g butter
- 150 ml cream for decoration
- 4 pieces of chocolate (for decoration)

Step by Step:

Preparing the Sponge:
1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them at high speed for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes fluffy and light in color.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and starch over the egg mixture. Add the essence of rum and finely grated cooking chocolate. Use a spatula to gently fold in the ingredients to preserve the air in the mixture.
3. Bake the sponge: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a detachable cake pan with butter and line the bottom with baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready. Let it cool on a rack.

Preparing the Caramel Cream:
1. Prepare the caramel: In a pan, melt 125 g of sugar until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as caramel can become bitter.
2. Add the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar and vanilla essence. Add the egg mixture to the hot caramel, stirring continuously over low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Incorporate the butter: Let the cream cool slightly, then gradually add 300 g of butter and mix until smooth. Finally, fold in the whipped cream to achieve an airy texture.

Preparing the Syrup:
1. Boil the syrup: In a saucepan, add 150 g of sugar, 2 cups of water, and the essence of rum. Boil the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, then let it cool.

Assembling the Cake:
1. Cut the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts.
2. Soak: Place the first part of the sponge back in the pan, soak it well with the prepared syrup. Add the caramel cream, leveling it evenly. Place the second part of the sponge on top and soak again.
3. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight for the cream to set.

Preparing the Glaze:
1. Melt the chocolate: In a heat-resistant bowl, place the chocolate, liquid cream, and butter. Set the bowl over a double boiler, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth and glossy glaze. Let it cool slightly.
2. Glaze the cake: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and cut it into slices. Dip each slice in the chocolate glaze, then place them on a rack to drain off the excess chocolate.

Decoration:
1. Garnishing: Once the glaze has set, decorate each slice with whipped cream and grated chocolate. You can also add some berries for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions:
The "Viviana" cake is typically served with fragrant tea or creamy cappuccino. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it with loved ones, this cake will surely become everyone's favorite. Don’t forget to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes, you can experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate, depending on personal preferences.
2. How can I make this cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
3. How long does the cake last? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Nutritional Benefits:
Although the "Viviana" cake is a calorie-rich dessert, chocolate contains antioxidants and can provide an energy boost. Butter and cream bring healthy fats, but moderate consumption is essential for a balanced diet.

Possible Variations:
You can add a fruity note by incorporating peaches or raspberries into the cream. You can also replace the chocolate with salted caramel for a more sophisticated version.

The "Viviana" cake is more than just a dessert; it is a sweet memory, a family story worth savoring. I encourage you to prepare it and share this delicacy with your loved ones, enjoying every bite!

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