Chocolate cream and vanilla cream cake

Chocolate Cream and Vanilla Cream Cake

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour (plus a few hours in the fridge)
Total time: approximately 2 hours
Servings: 12

With a perfect combination of decadent chocolate and aromatic vanilla, this chocolate cream and vanilla cream cake is the ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special event or simply want to indulge yourself. The story behind this cake is one of tradition and joy, making it a favorite in many households, bringing family and friends together around the table. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the chocolate cream:
- 250 g dark chocolate
- 300 g heavy cream
- About 50 g sugar (adjust to taste)

For the vanilla cream:
- 300 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 50 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt

Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important that the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve a firm foam.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a stiff foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the foam becomes glossy and firm.

3. Beating the egg yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until creamy. Gently fold in the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

4. Adding the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the flour and baking powder over the egg mixture and add the vanilla sugar. Mix gently until well combined.

5. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes or until the sponge is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let it cool completely.

Preparing the Chocolate Cream

6. Melting the chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dark chocolate with the heavy cream. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted. Add the sugar, stirring until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool for an hour until it thickens enough to spread.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

7. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla sugar, cornstarch, and half of the milk. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk until it reaches boiling point.

8. Thickening the cream: Slowly add the yolk mixture to the hot milk, stirring continuously. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool completely.

Assembling the Cake

9. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into three equal layers. You can use a sharp knife or a piece of thread to achieve straight cuts.

10. Filling the cake: Place the first layer of sponge on a serving platter and spread the chocolate cream evenly. Add the second layer of sponge and cover it with the vanilla cream. Continue with the last layer of sponge. Make sure to save some chocolate cream for decoration.

11. Chilling: Place the cake in the fridge for a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow all the layers to set.

Serving and Suggestions

For an elegant touch, decorate the cake with the reserved chocolate cream, using a piping bag to create beautiful shapes on top. You can also add grated chocolate or fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, which pair perfectly with the cake's flavors.

This chocolate and vanilla cream cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea.

Nutritional Benefits

Although this cake is a dessert, it offers a combination of proteins from the eggs and calcium from the milk. Dark chocolate brings antioxidants and may help improve mood. While it is calorie-dense, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but keep in mind that the sweetness will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the creams or choose chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.

3. Can I replace the eggs in the recipe?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based egg substitutes, but the texture and flavor will be different.

4. What is the best way to store the cake?
The cake is best stored in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

5. Can I add fruits inside the cake?
Yes, berries or sliced bananas are an excellent choice to add a touch of freshness and flavor.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making a breathtaking chocolate and vanilla cream cake! Feel free to personalize it with your favorite ingredients and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy!