Caramel cake 400

Caramel Cake 400: A Delight with a Story

Do you know those moments when a cake manages to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones? Today, I invite you to discover together the recipe for a cake that not only delights the taste buds but also brings pleasant memories. It is about the Caramel Cake 400, a delicious masterpiece that combines fluffy cocoa sponge with a fine caramel cream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or for treating yourself on the weekend!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 550 ml whipped cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 10 g gelatin (sheets)

*For the syrup:*
- 300 ml water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- rum essence

*Decoration:*
- whipped cream
- sprinkles (or anything else you prefer)

Preparing the cake

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. In the meantime, prepare a round baking pan by greasing it with butter and lining it with aluminum foil.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until you achieve a firm foam. It is essential that the sugar completely dissolves to obtain a fluffy sponge.
4. In another bowl, mix the yolks with 2 tablespoons of water. Gently fold this mixture into the egg whites using a spatula to avoid deflating the foam.
5. Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder over the mixture. Gently mix until you obtain a homogeneous batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the sponge is baked: if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Step 2: Preparing the caramel cream

1. In a saucepan, caramelize the 10 tablespoons of sugar. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt caramel can give a bitter taste.
2. Once the sugar has melted and turned golden, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the warm milk. Be cautious, as it will foam up!
3. Mix well until the caramel completely dissolves in the milk.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the cornstarch. Add this mixture to the caramelized milk and place the saucepan over low heat. Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Meanwhile, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water. Once the cream has thickened, add the squeezed gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Let the cream cool.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup

1. In a saucepan, caramelize the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Then add the water and stir until the caramel completely dissolves. Let it cool and add the rum essence for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal halves.
2. Generously soak the first half of the sponge with the caramel syrup.
3. Add ¾ of the caramel cream and spread it evenly.
4. Place the second half of the sponge on top and soak again.
5. Now, cover the cake with the remaining caramel cream and decorate with whipped cream and sprinkles. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own by whipping cream until firm.

Step 5: The final indulgence

Let the cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set.

Useful tips

- Use room temperature eggs for better egg white foam.
- Ensure the sugar caramelizes evenly, avoiding burning. If it happens to burn, it's better to start again.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup.
- The cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, bringing balance between the intense sweetness of the caramel and the bitterness of the coffee.

Nutritional information

Each serving of Caramel Cake 400 has approximately 350 calories, offering a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, thanks to the eggs and whipped cream, making it a delicious choice for special occasions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?
Yes, it is even recommended! The cake will have time to cool well, and the flavors will intensify.

2. How can I make the cake less caloric?
You can use sugar substitutes or reduced-fat whipped cream.

3. What other ingredients can I add for a more intense flavor?
Add some chopped nuts or grated chocolate to the cream for an extra texture and taste.

4. Is it possible to use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond or soy milk can be an excellent alternative for a vegan version.

Caramel Cake 400 is truly a recipe that will impress at any table. A combination of simple ingredients, but with an impressive result, this cake will surely become a favorite in your family. So, let’s get cooking!