Daria Cake

Sister's Day Cake - A Delicacy for a Special Celebration

Today is a truly special day because my little sister Daria is turning 10! Happy birthday, dear Daria! I wish you all the happiness in the world, health, and joyful moments! To celebrate properly, I prepared a delicious cake that combines the flavors of chocolate and strawberries, perfect for making this day even more memorable.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 6 eggs
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the strawberry cream:*
- 1 packet of Strawberry Creme Ole
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 180 ml milk

*For the white chocolate mousse:*
- 400 ml whipped cream
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 300 g white chocolate
- 5 g gelatin granules (Dr. Oetker)

*For decoration:*
- Sugar paste roses and leaves
- Chocolate-coated cereals
- Biscuits

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to have a clean, dry bowl for beating the egg whites to form a firm foam.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become foamy. Add one tablespoon of sugar at a time, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy, firm foam.
- In another bowl, combine the yolks with the oil and cold water. Add this mixture over the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula from the bottom up to maintain the aeration.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together and gradually add them to the egg mixture. Mix carefully.
- Line a 25 cm diameter baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with a little oil. Pour in the batter and level the surface.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Preparing the strawberry cream:
- In a bowl, combine the liquid cream, milk, and the packet of Strawberry Creme Ole. Beat until the cream thickens.

3. Preparing the white chocolate mousse:
- Start by hydrating the gelatin in 50 ml of water. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 100 ml of liquid cream (without boiling) and add the broken white chocolate. Stir until the chocolate completely melts.
- Over low heat, melt the gelatin, stirring constantly. Add the gelatin to the warm white chocolate mixture, mixing well.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then gradually fold the mousse into the whipped cream, stirring gently.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Cut the cake base into two equal halves. Place the first half in a springform pan and soak it with a simple syrup (water and sugar) to keep it moist.
- Spread the strawberry cream evenly over the first layer, then place the other half on top, soaking it similarly.
- Spread the white chocolate mousse on top and level it. Refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.

5. Decorating the cake:
- The next day, remove the cake from the fridge and cover it with a thin layer of the remaining cream.
- For a spectacular look, crush the cereals and biscuits, then use them to coat the edges of the cake.
- Decorate on top with sugar paste roses and leaves for a special effect.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform consistency.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for the mousse, as it will influence the final taste.
- If you want to customize the recipe, you can replace the strawberry cream with another favorite flavor, such as raspberry or mango.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but the taste will be different and more intense. Adjust the amount of sugar to compensate.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and mousse, but be careful not to affect the texture.

- What is the best way to store the cake?
Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days.

This cake is not only a delicacy but also a way to turn an ordinary birthday into an unforgettable celebration. Served alongside fresh lemonade or fruit tea, it will surely be a hit among guests. Enjoy!