Caramel cake

10/10 Caramel Cream Cake – An Unforgettable Delight

The 10/10 cake is a true pastry gem, perfect for any special occasion. This recipe, inspired by a delicious idea from a talented cook, combines a fluffy sponge cake with velvety caramel cream and a decadent glaze, creating a dessert that is sure to impress anyone. Let’s explore each step of this recipe together, uncover its secrets, and enjoy a spectacular result!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:
- 5 eggs (at room temperature)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 100 g flour
- 2 packets caramel pudding powder
- 1 pinch of baking powder

For the Cream:
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 10 g gelatin (hydrated in water)

For the Glaze:
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons liquid cream
- 100 g butter

For the Syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- mint essence (to taste)

Preparing the Sponge Cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fluffier sponge.

2. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm meringue. This step is crucial for ensuring an airy texture in the sponge.

3. Add the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the 4 tablespoons of cold water. Gently fold them into the egg white meringue, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, pudding powder, and baking powder together. Gradually add them to the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula in an up-and-down motion.

5. Baking the sponge: Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool completely.

Preparing the Caramel Cream

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, melt the 10 tablespoons of sugar until it becomes liquid and turns golden. Be cautious during this step, as the sugar can burn quickly.

2. Add the milk: Carefully pour the hot milk over the caramelized sugar (it will steam, so be careful!). Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Preparing the yolk mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the yolks with the cornstarch. Slowly pour the hot syrup over them, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

4. Thickening the cream: Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cream thickens to a consistency similar to sour cream. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Incorporate the gelatin: Add the hydrated and melted gelatin to the caramel cream. Mix well, then let the cream reach room temperature.

6. Whip the cream and egg whites: Whip the heavy cream and egg whites separately until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the whipped cream and egg whites into the caramel cream, mixing gently.

7. Cooling the cream: Place the cream in the refrigerator to firm up slightly before assembling.

Preparing the Glaze

1. Caramelizing for the glaze: In another pot, melt the sugar until it becomes liquid and golden. Remove from heat and carefully add the liquid cream. Stir well until the caramel completely melts.

2. Add the butter: Place the pot back on the heat and add the butter. Stir continuously until the glaze reaches a thick sour cream consistency. Allow it to cool to room temperature before use.

Preparing the Syrup

1. Simple syrup: Caramelize the 2 tablespoons of sugar, then extinguish it with 100 ml of water. Let it boil until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup becomes homogeneous.

2. Add the mint essence: Once the syrup is ready, add the mint essence to taste. This will give your cake a refreshing note.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into three layers.

2. Soaking the layers: Use the mint syrup to soak each sponge layer. This step is essential for adding moisture and flavor.

3. Filling with cream: Spread a generous layer of caramel cream over the first layer, then place the second layer on top and repeat the process. The last layer will be placed on top.

4. Glazing: Pour the warm glaze over the cake, ensuring it covers evenly. Use a spatula to spread the glaze over the edges.

5. Decorating the cake: Once the glaze has set, decorate the edge of the cake with any remaining caramel cream and sprinkle almond flakes for an elegant touch.

6. Finalizing: Let the cake chill until the glaze hardens completely. Finally, you can add a few dollops of whipped cream on top for a more festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I use instead of gelatin?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar, making sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Can I substitute sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, but it's important to check the sweetness equivalence to achieve a similar result.

3. Can this cake be made in advance?
Absolutely! The cake can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and become even more delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

This delicious cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and cream, while the caramel adds a quick energy boost from its sugar content. Enjoyed in moderation, it can be a perfect choice for a special occasion. However, remember that it's an indulgent dessert, so savor it with pleasure!

Serving Suggestions

The 10/10 cake is perfect to serve alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. You can also add some fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible Variations

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different pudding flavors (e.g., chocolate or vanilla) or replace the mint essence with orange or lavender essence for a unique twist on this cake.

In conclusion, the 10/10 caramel cream cake is not just a simple dessert but a true culinary experience. Each bite will transport you to a world of delightful flavors and textures. So, allow yourself to indulge in this unique and delicious recipe!