Cake with egg liqueur and orange cream

Orange and Egg Liqueur Cream Cake: A Sweet Spring Experience

In a world full of chocolate desserts, sometimes you feel the need to explore other flavors. This orange and egg liqueur cream cake is exactly what you need! An easy, fluffy, and fragrant recipe that brings a touch of spring in every bite. Get ready to be carried away by the delicious aromas of oranges and the fine texture of the cream, in a combination that will delight any palate.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs (make sure they are at room temperature for better beating)
- 30 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use light olive oil)
- 145 g sugar (granulated sugar will help achieve a fine texture)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (this will enhance the flavor)
- 180 g flour (type 000 flour is best for a fluffy sponge)
- 1 packet baking powder (make sure it is fresh for a well-risen sponge)
- 1 teaspoon orange essence (choose a quality essence for an authentic taste)

For the cream:
- 250 g cottage cheese (preferably fine, you can use fresh or store-bought)
- 300 ml liquid cream (make sure it is cold for better whipping)
- 100 g powdered sugar (to sweeten the cream without crystallizing)
- 150 ml egg liqueur (choose a quality liqueur to add depth to the flavor)

For the syrup:
- Juice from one orange (freshly squeezed is always best)
- 50 g sugar (to sweeten the syrup)
- 100 ml water

For decoration:
- 300 ml whipped cream (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 4-5 tablespoons orange juice (to add a touch of freshness)
- Peeled orange cubes (for an attractive look and added flavor)

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 75 g of sugar until you get a firm and glossy foam. Then, add the yolks one by one, mixing gently. Incorporate the oil and orange essence.

2. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and the remaining sugar. Add the flour to the egg mixture, mixing slowly to avoid losing air from the sponge.

3. Baking: Pour the mixture into a baking tray (25 cm x 35 cm) lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the sponge passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely in the tray.

4. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese well with the powdered sugar and egg liqueur until you get a smooth mixture. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until firm. Carefully combine the two mixtures to avoid losing the volume of the whipped cream.

5. Preparing the syrup: In a small pot, bring the water with the sugar to a boil for 2 minutes. Add the orange juice and let it boil for another minute. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Assembling the cake: Cut the sponge in half horizontally. Soak the first half well with the prepared syrup, then spread the cottage cheese cream evenly. Place the other half of the sponge on top and soak it as well.

7. Decorating: For decoration, whip the cream and add the orange juice. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake and decorate with orange cubes.

8. Serving: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting, to allow the cream to set. Serve it cold, alongside a cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine, to highlight the flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, to achieve a fluffy sponge.
- You can replace the egg liqueur with orange syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- If you want an extra flavor, add grated orange peel to the cottage cheese cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake offers a balance between carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to the cottage cheese, which is a good source of calcium. Additionally, oranges provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone, but the taste will be different.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup.
- Is the cake suitable for serving at events? Absolutely! It is an elegant dessert that will impress your guests.

This orange and egg liqueur cream cake is perfect for adding a touch of freshness and elegance to your table. Let yourself be carried away by its aromas and enjoy a sweet moment filled with smiles!