Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake: The Magic of the Holidays in Every Slice

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings

The winter holidays are a special time, filled with nostalgia and joy. A Christmas cake is not just a dessert, but a symbol of family traditions, moments spent together, and flavors that remind us of childhood. This cake recipe is not only delicious but also colorful and vibrant, perfect for beautifying the Christmas table. Get ready to impress everyone with this delightful cake, featuring a fluffy base and smooth cream!

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence

For the cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g dark chocolate (at least 55% cocoa)
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

For decoration:
- Sugar paste for decoration
- Milk powder paste for decoration
- Green food coloring
- Royal icing (sugar glaze for details)

Steps for preparing the Christmas cake:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the eggs. Make sure the bowls are clean and dry, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. In a bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until a firm meringue forms. A useful trick is to turn the bowl upside down – if it doesn’t spill, you’ve achieved the desired consistency!

Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each. Begin to incorporate the flour mixed with cocoa and baking powder, being careful to do this with gentle, upward movements to avoid losing air in the mixture.

Divide the batter in half. In the first half, add a tablespoon of cocoa and mix gently.

2. Baking the base:
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a piping bag or two spoons to alternate layers of white batter and cocoa batter. This color play will give your cake a spectacular appearance. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a saucepan, combine the milk, chopped chocolate, and sugar over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts. This will create a delicious base for your cream.

In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the cornstarch, then slowly pour the warm milk over them, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. Be careful! Do not let the cream boil, as it may curdle.

Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the gelatin (prepared according to the instructions on the package) and mix well. Allow the cream to cool.

In another bowl, whip the cream until firm, and when the cream is cool, gently fold it into the whipped cream. This will give your preparation an airy and creamy texture.

4. Assembling the cake:
Cut the base into three equal parts. Soak each layer with a syrup of water and sugar or your favorite liqueur for added flavor. Spread a layer of cream between each base, leveling it nicely.

5. Decoration:
For a festive look, use sugar paste to cover the cake, ensuring you have some green food coloring for your little tree. A personal touch is to use cookie cutters to create gifts from sugar paste, adding details with royal icing.

Helpful tips:
- You can replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
- The cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making sure it is covered to prevent drying out.
- Add ground nuts or hazelnuts to the cream for a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the result will vary.
2. How can I make the cake moister?
Add more syrup or use fresh fruits between layers.
3. What other desserts can I prepare for Christmas?
Cinnamon cookies, gingerbread cookies, or a mint-flavored cheesecake are excellent options.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of Christmas cake has about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, while whipped cream adds a boost of calcium.

In conclusion, this Christmas cake is more than just a dessert; it is an invitation to create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Enjoy it with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of fragrant tea, and each slice will be a celebration in itself!