Cake with a bow

Ribbon Cake Recipe - A Stylish Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I invite you to make a ribbon cake, a delicacy that not only looks spectacular but is also incredibly tasty. Whether you are celebrating a special event or simply want to indulge in something sweet, this cake will bring a smile to anyone's face. The history of the cake is lost in the mists of time, but what we know for sure is that this elegant dessert has always been associated with joy and celebration.

Necessary Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 100 g brown sugar (for a richer flavor)
- 3 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 300 g chocolate hazelnut cream (choose a quality option)
- 100 ml milk (you can use plant-based milk if you prefer)
- 200 g flour (preferably white flour)
- 50 g cocoa powder (make sure it’s of good quality for an intense flavor)
- 50 g vanilla cappuccino powder (will add a special note)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help the dough rise)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the cream:
- 150 ml whipped cream (to achieve a fluffy cream)
- 200 g milk chocolate (melted and cooled, your choice can influence the final taste)
- 200 g M&M's candies (for a pop of color and texture)

For decoration:
- 350 ml whipped cream (to cover the cake)
- 1 large ribbon (choose a color that matches your theme)
- Colored spray for decoration (optional, but adds a festive look)
- Shiny candy (for a sparkling effect)

Together, these ingredients transform into a cake that will impress even the most discerning gourmets!

Step-by-step Preparation

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. It is important to have the oven well-heated to ensure even baking of the sponges.

2. Prepare the pans
Grease two round pans: one 20 cm in diameter and the other 15 cm in diameter. This step is essential to prevent the sponges from sticking.

3. Prepare the sponge
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification.

4. Incorporate the wet ingredients
Once the eggs are well incorporated, add the chocolate hazelnut cream and 100 ml of milk. Mix everything until homogeneous.

5. Mix the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, cappuccino powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients are essential for the final texture and flavor of the cake.

6. Combine the ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing lightly until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix to avoid developing gluten.

7. Bake the sponges
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake them in the oven for 30-35 minutes. You can check if they are baked by inserting a toothpick in the center - it should come out clean.

8. Cool the sponges
After the sponges are baked, let them cool completely in the pans. This step is crucial to avoid melting the cream when assembling the cake.

9. Prepare the cream
Whip the cream until firm, then fold in the melted, cooled chocolate, mixing gently. Add the M&M's candies, which will add a contrast of texture and color to the cream.

10. Assemble the cake
Cut each sponge in half horizontally. Fill each layer with the prepared cream. Place the 20 cm cake on a plate and spread a little whipped cream on top. Then, place the 15 cm cake on top.

11. Decorate the cake
Cover the cake with 350 ml of whipped cream and decorate as desired. You can use the colored spray to give it a festive look. Sprinkle shiny candies and place the ribbon on top for an elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions

The ribbon cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a relaxing tea. You can accompany it with a caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, this cake can be enjoyed with vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can experiment with dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge or choose a chocolate hazelnut cream with lower sugar content.

3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to decorate it. It can be frozen for several months.

4. What other decoration options can I try?
You can use fresh fruits, grated chocolate, or nuts to give your cake a more rustic look.

Nutritional Benefits

This ribbon cake, although an indulgent dessert, contains ingredients that can offer certain nutritional benefits. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and hazelnuts contain healthy fats and proteins. Additionally, the cake can be a quick source of energy due to the natural sugars in chocolate.

In conclusion, the ribbon cake is not just a simple recipe, but also an experience full of joy and satisfaction. Its preparation can become a wonderful activity with family or friends, and the final result will surely be appreciated by everyone. So, gather your ingredients and let’s enjoy a sweet moment!