Carnival Cake with Caramel Cream

Carnival Cake with Caramel Cream - An Explosion of Flavor and Colors

If you are looking for a dessert that brings a touch of joy and good cheer in every bite, you have found the perfect recipe! The Carnival Cake with caramel cream is a delight that not only looks spectacular but also combines unforgettable flavors, making it ideal for any festive occasion. Whether it's an anniversary, a party, or simply a day when you want to treat yourself, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 140 g butter at room temperature
- 140 g sugar
- 140 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon orange essence

For the cream:
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 160 ml milk
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 6 g gelatin

For decoration:
- 300 ml whipped cream
- colorful candies

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base

A. Creating the perfect base
Start by preparing the base, which will be the foundation of this delicious cake. In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This step is essential to achieve a light base.

B. Adding the eggs
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully integrated before adding the next. The aroma of the orange essence will be added at the end, but it is a key ingredient for a fresh taste.

C. Integrating the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Start adding the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Also, add the 3-4 tablespoons of milk to achieve the right consistency.

D. Flavoring
Finally, add the orange essence and mix well. This ingredient will give the cake a wonderful flavor that will perfectly complement the caramel cream.

E. Baking
Prepare a cake pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into it. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 40-45 minutes. If you have two identical pans, you can divide the batter in half and bake both bases simultaneously, reducing the baking time to about 30 minutes. Check if the base is ready by doing the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, the base is perfectly baked.

2. Preparing the Caramel Cream

A. Creating the caramel
In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes liquid and golden. Be careful, as the sugar can burn very quickly. This caramel will give a deep and rich flavor to your cream.

B. Preparing the gelatin
Meanwhile, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water according to the instructions on the package.

C. Combining the ingredients
Add the hot milk over the melted caramel and let it boil for a few minutes, stirring constantly to integrate all the flavors. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch, then gradually add them to the hot syrup, stirring continuously.

D. Integrating the gelatin
Once the mixture is homogeneous, remove the pot from the heat and add the well-drained gelatin. Mix quickly to ensure the gelatin dissolves completely.

E. Whipping the cream
In another container, whip the cream until it becomes firm, then gradually incorporate it into the caramel cream. Finally, add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.

F. Cooling the cream
Transfer the cream to the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until it sets.

3. Assembling the Cake

A. Cooling the base
Once the base has completely cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a rack to cool completely. If you used two pans, you can skip this step, as the bases will already be at the desired size.

B. Assembling
Once the cream has set, it's time to assemble the cake. Place one base on a platter and spread the caramel cream evenly over it. Cover with the other base.

C. Decorating
Whip the remaining cream and use it to decorate the cake. Add colorful candies on top to create a festive effect, in line with the carnival theme.

4. Serving

It is recommended to let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to combine perfectly and will make the cake even more refreshing.

Practical Tips

- Egg-free version: If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of 50 g of applesauce or 1/4 cup of plant-based yogurt.
- Additional flavorings: You can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or almond essence, for a unique touch.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also offers a combination of nutrients from eggs, milk, and butter, contributing to an adequate intake of proteins and healthy fats. Of course, it is an indulgence, so enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities according to the desired sweetness.

2. How can I make the cream easier to spread?
If the cream is too thick, you can add a little hot milk to adjust its consistency.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
The cake pairs perfectly with sparkling wine or fresh lemonade, but also with a cup of flavored tea.

I hope the recipe for Carnival Cake with Caramel Cream has sparked your appetite and creativity in the kitchen! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every step of the process and don’t hesitate to share the final result!