Delicious cake with sour cream

Delicious Cream Cake: a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the layers with a fine and aromatic cream, all topped with a decadent glaze. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe is simple and yields spectacular results. Let's embark on this cooking adventure together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 10 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

For the white layer:
- 4 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 120 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 30 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla essence (a few drops)

For the cocoa layer:
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 120 g sugar
- 75 g flour
- 30 g cocoa (good quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- Vanilla essence (a few drops)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 g sour cream (ideally high-fat)
- 400 g cottage cheese (preferably Făgăraș type, fine and creamy)
- 100 g flavored powdered sugar
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 packets of gelatin (hydrated and melted)

For the glaze:
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon liquid honey
- 100 g roasted and chopped walnuts
- Colored candies (optional, for decoration)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Layers

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add the 4 egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Using a mixer, beat them until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue.

2. Incorporate the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the oil and vanilla essence. Add this mixture to the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites.

3. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder, mixing them into the egg mixture with a spatula. Now, repeat the process for the cocoa layer, adding the cocoa to the flour mixture.

4. Bake the layers: Prepare two baking trays (approximately 22x30 cm) with baking paper. Pour the mixtures into the two trays and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes or until the layers are golden and pass the toothpick test. Allow to cool in the trays for a few minutes, then carefully remove from the baking paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream

1. Mix the sour cream: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream with the cottage cheese and powdered sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a fine and creamy mixture. Add the vanilla sugar and mix well.

2. Incorporate the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in cold water according to the package instructions. Then, melt it in a bain-marie (without boiling) and pour it in a thin stream into the sour cream mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Cocoa layer: Place the cocoa layer at the bottom of a slightly higher tray. Pour the sour cream evenly over the cocoa layer.

2. White layer: Place the white layer on top of the cream, pressing gently to secure it.

3. Prepare the glaze: In a small pot, combine the dark chocolate, powdered sugar, honey, and a splash of water. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Let cool slightly, then pour it over the cake.

4. Decorate: Sprinkle the roasted and chopped walnuts on top of the glaze, adding colored candies for an extra touch of cheer.

5. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serving

Once the cake has cooled, cut it into desired shapes (squares, triangles) and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. This cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink, such as cappuccino or fruit tea.

Useful Tips

- Choosing eggs: Room temperature eggs whip better and contribute to a fluffier texture.
- Quality cocoa: Invest in good quality cocoa for a more intense flavor.
- Glaze: You can replace dark chocolate with white or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, while delicious, can be a healthier choice if you use sour cream with a lower fat content and plant-based sugar. Additionally, nuts add extra protein and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace cottage cheese?: Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for an even richer cream.
- How can I store the cake?: It keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
- Is it possible to use whole wheat flour?: Yes, but be careful to adjust the liquid amounts according to the absorption of the whole wheat flour.

Variations

- Add fruits: Between layers or in the cream, you can add pieces of fresh fruit (bananas, raspberries, strawberries) for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
- Flavor the cream: You can add a little lemon or orange zest to enhance the cream's flavor.

This cream cake recipe is perfect for bringing a smile to your loved ones' faces. Experiment with the ingredients, enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, savor every moment with your loved ones! Enjoy!