Clock Cake

New Year's Cake with Delicious Creams

New Year's Eve is a special occasion, filled with joy and hope. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious cake that not only looks impressive but is also very easy to make? This cake recipe with vanilla and chocolate creams is perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let's start our culinary journey!

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base
- 6 eggs
- 350 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g truffle chocolate (for melting in a bain-marie)
- 100 g soft butter
- 100 g cocoa

For the creams
1. Vanilla cream with walnut
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker vanilla cream (prepared with 500 ml cold milk)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whipped cream
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 50 g crushed walnuts

2. Chocolate cream with truffles and rum
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker chocolate cream with truffles (prepared with 500 ml cold milk)
- 1 tablespoon whipped cream
- 1 vial of rum essence

For decoration
- Cocoa powder
- White sugar stars (available in stores)
- Whipped cream for writing (e.g., Hulala whipped cream)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Separating the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. It is essential that the bowls are clean, without traces of fat, to achieve well-beaten egg whites.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar, cocoa, and soft butter, beating them until you obtain a creamy mixture.
3. Beating the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.
4. Adding the chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie and let it cool slightly, then add it to the egg yolk mixture.
5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour over the egg yolk mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula, from the bottom up, to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
6. Baking: Grease a baking tray with butter and line it with flour, then pour in the mixture and level it evenly. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the base is baked.

Step 2: Preparing the Vanilla Cream
1. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the vanilla cream with 500 ml of cold milk according to the instructions on the package. Add the powdered sugar, whipped cream, and vanilla essence, then mix well. Finally, fold in the crushed walnuts.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Cream
1. Preparing the cream: Proceed similarly to the vanilla cream, mixing the chocolate cream with 500 ml of cold milk and adding the whipped cream and rum essence. Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Cooling the base: After the base has cooled slightly, let it cool completely with the oven door ajar. Then cut it in half.
2. Soaking the layers: Soak each half of the base with a simple syrup (water and boiled sugar) or a little liqueur for added flavor.
3. Alternating the creams: Using a piping bag or spatula, alternate the two creams on each half of the base, forming concentric circles. Leave a little space between them to create a pleasing visual effect.
4. Assembling the cake: Place the second half of the base on top and cover it evenly with the chocolate cream.
5. Decorating: Sift cocoa powder over the top of the cake for an elegant look. Place white sugar stars around the edge and use whipped cream to write "12" and draw clock hands.

Step 5: Serving
The cake is now ready to be enjoyed! It is ideal to let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve it alongside a glass of champagne or a fruit cocktail, perfect for the celebration.

Practical Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- Beat the egg whites correctly: If you want a fluffy base, the egg whites must be beaten well and carefully folded into the mixture.
- Recipe variations: You can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds to vary the flavors. You can also add candied fruits or fresh raspberries for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information
Although this cake is a delight, it is good to be aware of the caloric intake. One serving contains approximately 350 calories, being rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins from nuts and eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of creams?
Yes, you can experiment with fruit creams or other preferred flavors.

2. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

3. What drinks pair best?
Champagne, sparkling wine, or a fruit cocktail are excellent options to complement the dessert.

Final Note
It is a special cake, easy to make, that will surely impress your guests at the New Year's party or any other special occasion. With each slice, you will bring not only a delicacy to the table but also joy and unforgettable moments. Don't forget to explore your favorite version and add a personal touch! Enjoy your meal!