Coated Cake

Today, I present to you a classic recipe for rolled cake, a simple yet flavorful delicacy that brings back memories of moments spent in my mother's kitchen. This recipe stands out for its soft and moist base, covered with a delicious chocolate sauce and sprinkled with coconut, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a party or a simple family evening. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 55-60 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 10 tablespoons milk
- 50 g butter or margarine (melted)
- 3 tablespoons honey (melted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the sauce:
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 5-6 tablespoons milk

Necessary utensils:
- Baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm)
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk
- Small saucepan for the sauce
- Spatula

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure that the base bakes evenly.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the whole egg and powdered sugar. Mix them together using a mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes airy and fluffy. This will give the base a fine texture.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Continue by adding the milk, melted butter, and melted honey. Mix well until smooth. The honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and flavor, contributing to the moisture of the base.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture, then gently fold with a spatula until no traces of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense base.

5. Transferring to the tray: Line the baking tray with baking paper, then pour the base mixture into the tray. Make sure it is evenly distributed.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if the base is baked using a simple toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce
1. Melting the ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the butter and let it melt over low heat. Then, add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk. Mix well with a spatula until the sauce is smooth and has a slightly creamy consistency.

2. Cooling the sauce: Once the sauce is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Cutting the base: When the base is completely cooled, cut it into equal-sized cubes, about 4x4 cm. This will make it easier to coat the cakes in the sauce.

2. Rolling in the sauce: Take each cube of cake and dip it in the chocolate sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.

3. Sprinkling with coconut: After rolling the cubes in the sauce, pass them through grated coconut so that they are completely covered. This will give them an attractive appearance and a crunchy texture.

4. Final cooling: Place the cake cubes on a platter and let them sit for a while to allow the sauce to set.

Serving:
The rolled cake can be served warm or cold, being equally delicious in both versions. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. It’s perfect for enjoying with family or friends on a special occasion.

Useful tips:
- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add ground nuts to the sauce or use other types of nuts instead of coconut to change the flavor a bit.
- Nutritional information: Each serving of rolled cake contains approximately 250 calories, providing a combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins due to the ingredients used. It’s a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use honey instead of sugar? Yes, you can adapt the recipe, but you will need to adjust the liquid quantity.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base or the sauce, depending on your preferences.

This rolled cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a precious memory filled with nostalgia. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering or to treat your friends, I am sure it will bring smiles and moments of joy. Enjoy your meal!