Carpathian Cake

Carpathian Cake – A Festive Delight

When you think of holidays, you probably envision delicious dishes that bring joy and good cheer around the table. The Carpathian Cake is one of those recipes that not only delights your taste buds but also offers you the chance to spend quality time in the kitchen. With a generous amount of layers and a rich cream, this cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients

For the layers
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup oil (about 250 ml)
- 1 cup milk (about 250 ml)
- 1 cup sugar (about 200 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Flour as needed (for a consistent dough)

For the cream
- 2 liters milk
- 2 packs of butter (approx. 400 g)
- 800 g sugar
- 13 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- Cocoa essence (to taste)

For decoration
- 200 g ground walnuts or coconut

Brief History

The Carpathian Cake has its roots in culinary traditions of the holidays, being a popular choice due to its delicious combination of tender layers and chocolate cream. It is a cake that brings the family together around the table, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each adding their personal touch.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with the sugar using a mixer. The consistency should become frothy and light in color.
2. Add the oil and milk: While continuing to mix, gradually add the oil and milk. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated.
3. Incorporate the baking soda: Quench the baking soda with a little lemon juice (or vinegar) and add it to the mixture, along with a pinch of salt.
4. Add the flour: Gradually add flour until you achieve a homogeneous and consistent dough that can be easily rolled out on the back of the baking tray. It is important that it is not too soft, so it doesn’t break during baking.
5. Rest: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Baking the Layers

1. Preheat the oven: Before starting to roll out the dough, preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into thin layers, large enough to cover the back of the baking tray.
3. Baking: Bake each layer for 7-8 minutes, on the back of the tray, until they become slightly golden. Remove the layers and let them cool on a rack.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a heavy pot or deep saucepan, caramelize the sugar over low heat. Be careful not to let it caramelize too much, as it can become bitter.
2. Adding the dry ingredients: When the sugar is melted, add the flour mixed with cocoa, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Incorporating the milk: Gradually add the hot milk, stirring constantly until the cream becomes smooth and lump-free. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture.
4. Adding the butter: Once you have finished adding the milk, remove the cream from the heat and add the butter cut into cubes. Mix well until the butter completely melts.
5. Cooling the cream: Allow the cream to cool to room temperature, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent crust formation.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. First layer: Place the first layer of dough in the serving tray.
2. Adding the cream: Spread a generous layer of cream over the first layer, making sure to cover it evenly.
3. Repeating the process: Continue to layer the dough and cream alternately until all layers are used. Do not add cream on top of the last layer.
4. Finalizing: Keep some cream for decoration. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and let the cake chill overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the layers to soften.

Step 5: Decorating and Serving

1. Cutting the cake: The next day, cut the cake into wide strips of 5-6 cm, then each strip diagonally.
2. Sticking the strips: Use the reserved cream to stick the strips together, creating a “sandwich” effect.
3. Decorating: Cover the cake with cream and sprinkle ground walnuts or coconut on top for a festive look and added flavor.

Useful Tips

- Ingredient temperature: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even composition.
- Flour: The flour can vary depending on the type used. It is recommended to use wheat flour type 000 or 550 for the best results.
- Cream: You can experiment with different essences, such as vanilla or rum, to give the cream a different flavor.
- Variations: You can add chocolate pieces to the cream or use a mix of nuts to diversify the texture.
- Serving: The Carpathian Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a sweet wine can add an elegant touch to the festive table.

Nutritional Benefits

Although the Carpathian Cake is a rich dessert, it contains ingredients that can have nutritional benefits. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, while nuts provide healthy fats and essential vitamins. Additionally, chocolate and cocoa have antioxidants that can contribute to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, you can use banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water to replace the eggs, but the final texture may vary.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the Carpathian Cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered to prevent excessive freezing.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to swirl the knife in the dough and enjoy the cooking process! The Carpathian Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will bring smiles and beautiful memories.