Coffee cake

Coffee and Burnt Sugar Cake - A Delicacy with a Sweet-Bitter Taste

If you are looking for a delicious and captivating recipe that weaves together the flavors of coffee with caramelized sweetness, then this cake is the perfect choice! With a fine texture and rich cream, this cake will delight your senses and bring a touch of comfort to your days.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:

- 2 eggs
- 2 cups of sugar (approximately 400 g)
- 1 cup of brewed filter coffee (200 ml)
- A pinch of baking soda
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 cup of oil
- 1 cup of milk
- A pinch of salt
- 600 g flour

For the cream:

- 750 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- Burnt sugar syrup + coffee (from the remaining amount of layers)
- 6 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 2 packets of butter (approximately 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Coffee and Burnt Sugar Syrup

Start by making the coffee. Boil 400 ml of water and add the 4 tablespoons of coffee. Let it boil for a bit, then strain it. This will be an essential ingredient to flavor your cake.

In a deeper pot, add the sugar and let it caramelize. Be careful, as the sugar will melt quickly and can become bitter if left too long on the heat. Once you achieve a golden color, carefully add the cup of coffee. Cover the pot to avoid splattering. Keep it on the heat until the sugar completely liquefies, forming a thicker syrup. Once ready, let it cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough for the Layers

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy. Add the oil, milk, and a cup of cooled burnt sugar syrup, mixing well.

In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add the wet ingredients mixture to the flour mixture, stirring continuously. The dough should be firmer but slightly elastic - perfect for rolling out.

Once you have a homogeneous dough, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour. This will help achieve layers that are easier to roll out and more delicate.

Step 3: Baking the Layers

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Roll out each portion on the back of a tray, ensuring it is even. Bake each layer for 5 minutes until they turn slightly golden.

Step 4: Preparing the Cream

In a saucepan, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the remaining burnt sugar syrup, mixing well to avoid lumps. Then add the milk, stirring continuously. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture begins to boil.

Once it reaches boiling point, remove it from heat and add the room temperature butter. Mix until the butter completely melts and the cream becomes smooth.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

Between the baked layers, spread a generous layer of cream. You can use the remaining cream to decorate the top of the cake. It is ideal to let the cake chill for at least 3 hours, but if you are impatient, it can be cut after 1 hour, although the texture will be better the next day.

Practical Tips and Variations

1. Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar and cocoa according to your preferences. If you like it sweeter, you can add more sugar, and if you prefer a bitter taste, as I did, keep the proportions.

2. Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea for a moment of indulgence.

3. Variations: You can add chopped nuts or melted chocolate to the cocoa cream for extra texture and flavor.

4. Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant coffee?: Yes, but the taste will be different. Freshly brewed coffee brings a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the cake?: It keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week.
- Is this a vegan recipe?: No, but you can experiment with plant-based eggs and milk for a vegan version.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, rich in cocoa, can provide antioxidants, and coffee is known for its energizing properties. Whole wheat flour can be a healthier alternative, bringing additional fiber and nutrients.

A Personal Note

I fondly remember the moments when I prepared this cake with my family. The aroma of coffee and burnt sugar filled the entire house, and each slice brought a smile to the faces of my loved ones. I encourage you to bring your family into the kitchen to create unforgettable memories!

In conclusion, this coffee and burnt sugar cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. With a simple recipe and accessible ingredients, you can bring a touch of magic to every day. Enjoy!