Deer Back Cake

"Deer Back" Cake - a refined dessert with a fluffy texture and a delicious blend of chocolate, almonds, and apricots. This recipe is a true delight for sweet lovers, perfect for special occasions or simply for a daily indulgence.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

A Brief History of the Recipe

The origins of the name "deer back" are deeply rooted in images of a curved and elegant shape that can evoke a natural appearance. Although it may not particularly resemble a deer, this cake is a perfect combination of ingredients that complement each other, providing an unforgettable experience. It is a dessert that has been passed down through generations, with variations reflecting each family's preferences.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 125 g very soft butter
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate (high quality)
- 150 g ground almonds
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 50 g cornstarch
- 1 packet baking powder
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- A pinch of cinnamon

For decoration:
- 100 g apricot jam
- 2 packets Dr. Oetker chocolate glaze
- 60-70 g ground pistachios

Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing the Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Separating the eggs: Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure no traces of yolk remain in the whites, as they need to be clean to achieve a firm foam.

2. Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate using a food processor or a knife. It is essential to use high-quality chocolate for an intense and aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Create the Base Mixture

3. Creaming the butter: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to combine them until you achieve a light and airy cream.

4. Adding the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture.

5. Flavoring the mixture: Add the orange essence, rum essence, and a pinch of cinnamon, mixing gently.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

6. Grinding the almonds: In another bowl, mix the ground almonds with the baking powder, cornstarch, and chopped chocolate. This combination will add a rich flavor and pleasant texture.

7. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and yolk mixture, mixing gently.

8. Adding the milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until you achieve a batter that flows slowly from the spoon. You may need more or less milk, so adjust as necessary.

Step 4: Beating the Egg Whites

9. Beating the egg whites: Use a clean mixer to beat the egg whites until they form a firm foam, similar to meringue. This is key to achieving a fluffy cake.

10. Incorporating the egg whites: Add two-thirds of the egg whites to the cake mixture and mix gently. Then, use a spatula to fold in the remaining egg whites, mixing from top to bottom to keep the air in the batter.

Step 5: Baking

11. Preparing the pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter and sprinkle with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

12. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Finishing and Decorating

13. Cooling: Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes in the pan, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely.

14. Spreading the jam: Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the apricot jam over it, adding a delicious and aromatic layer.

15. Preparing the glaze: Follow the instructions on the chocolate glaze package to prepare it. Once ready, coat the cake with the glaze, ensuring it is evenly covered.

16. Decorating: Sprinkle the ground pistachios over the glaze. While green pistachios are recommended, roasted and shelled pistachios will work perfectly.

Suggestions and Variations

For a unique twist, you can also add other ingredients such as raisins or pieces of candied fruit to the batter. Another variation is to replace the almonds with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture. This cake can be enjoyed on its own, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, or with vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake recipe is rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate and vitamins from the almonds. Almonds are also an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a healthier choice compared to other pastries. However, like any dessert, it is important to consume it in moderation, with approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use white chocolate? Yes, but the taste will be different. White chocolate adds more sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in an airtight container for a few days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
- Can I replace the pistachios? Absolutely! You can use nuts, almonds, or even coconut flakes for a different flavor.

This "Deer Back" cake is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that impresses every time. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a moment of indulgence with this delicious dessert, full of flavors and textures. Enjoy!