Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake – A Delight That Captivates Hearts

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Christmas is fast approaching, and every festive meal deserves a worthy dessert! Today, I present to you a Christmas cake recipe that will bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This cake is not just a dessert; it is a story, a perfect combination of flavors and textures, enriched with delicious fruits and a special decoration. Let’s embark together on the adventure of preparing this magical cake!

Ingredients for the sponge:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 130 g sugar
- 140 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 40 g cocoa

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 pack vanilla cream (preferably Dr. Oetker)
- 1 pack whipped cream
- 1 packet whipped cream stabilizer
- 50 g crushed walnuts
- 200-300 g coconut
- 550 ml milk (for cream and whipped cream)
- 2 bananas
- 1 can diced pineapple

For decorations:
- Fondant
- Food coloring (as desired)
- Milk powder and honey for modeling

Preparing the Sponge:
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that the eggs are at room temperature to achieve a better foam. This will make the sponge fluffier.

2. Beating the yolks: In a bowl, beat the yolks with a mixer together with half of the sugar. Continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.

3. Preparing the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar until you obtain a dense and shiny foam that does not fall from the bottom of the bowl. This is a crucial moment; if the foam is not firm enough, the sponge will not rise properly.

4. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and cocoa to the yolk mixture. Use a spatula and gently fold from the bottom up to avoid deflating the egg white foam.

5. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

6. Cooling and cutting: Let the sponge cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into 3 equal layers.

Preparing the Filling:
1. Soaking the sponge: Take the last layer of sponge and place it on a platter. Lightly soak with pineapple juice, but do not overdo it to avoid making the sponge too soggy.

2. Preparing the vanilla cream: In a bowl, mix the vanilla cream according to the instructions on the package, gradually adding the milk. Once the cream is ready, fold in the crushed walnuts, using a blender to achieve a fine texture.

3. Assembling the cake: Spread some of the vanilla cream on the first layer of cake, then add banana slices and pineapple cubes. Repeat the process with the second layer of cake.

4. Finishing the cake: Place the last layer of cake on top. Prepare the whipped cream according to the instructions on the package, adding the stabilizer at the end. Cover the cake with this whipped cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Sprinkle coconut over the entire surface and on the edges to mimic snow.

Decorating with Figures:
1. Preparing the fondant: In a bowl, mix the milk powder with honey, gradually adding ingredients until you obtain a moldable paste. Knead well to make it smooth.

2. Shaping the figures: Divide the paste into smaller pieces and color them with food coloring. Use your creativity to create snowmen, Christmas trees, lollipops, and other festive shapes. If the paste sticks to your hands, add a little starch.

3. Finishing touches: Place the figures on your cake, leaving room for the final decoration. Add hearts and stars to give it a festive personal touch.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Christmas cake alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine. A slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also be a delicious combination that will delight everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with seasonal fruits or your favorites.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? Store it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness.
- Is it possible to use chocolate instead of cocoa? Yes, for a more intense flavor, you can replace cocoa with melted chocolate.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake contains nutritious ingredients such as nuts, which are rich in healthy fats, and fruits, which provide vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the cake can be a perfect treat to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

In conclusion, this Christmas cake is not just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings together tradition and innovation. Each step of the recipe is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories around the table. So, put on your apron and let’s make a Christmas cake together that will surely become a tradition in your family! Merry Christmas to all!