Dream Cake

Cake "Dream" - An Unforgettable Delicacy

Who hasn't ever dreamed of a perfect cake that fills every corner of your soul with sweetness and enticing aromas? Today, I will share the recipe for a cake named "Dream" that will undoubtedly make you want to prepare it again and again. With a combination of chocolate, nuts, and rum-soaked raisins, this cake becomes a true delight, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 16

The History of the "Dream" Cake

Over time, cakes have played an essential role in culinary culture worldwide. Whether made for special occasions or simply to celebrate moments of joy, cakes unite us and bring us together. The "Dream" cake is a modern reinterpretation of these traditions, combining simple ingredients with accessible preparation techniques to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients for the Base

- 100 g soft butter
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt (optional)

Ingredients for the Cream

- 4 eggs
- 150 g soft butter (80% fat)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 30 g raisins
- 120 g dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 vial rum essence

Ingredients for the Chocolate Glaze (Ganache)

- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream (Pilos)
- 50 g white chocolate

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (or to the second level of the stove if using a simple model).
- In a large bowl, add the soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a fluffy cream.
- Add the egg and continue to homogenize the mixture.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, ground walnuts, and salt (if using). Incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing with a spatula until homogeneous.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leveling it evenly. Bake the base in the oven for 20 minutes. In the meantime, you can prepare the cream.

2. Preparing the Cream
- Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl over a double boiler, allowing it to melt.
- Wash the raisins with warm water, drain them, and add the rum essence over them. Set aside to soak.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until foamy.
- In another bowl, mix the soft butter with the powdered sugar and yolks until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the melted chocolate (which has been allowed to cool), cornstarch, and soaked raisins.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites with a spatula to obtain a homogeneous cream.

3. Finalizing the Cake
- After the base has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the chocolate cream over it. Level it evenly with a spatula.
- Put the tray back in the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cream has slightly set.
- After baking, let the cake cool completely.

4. Preparing the Glaze
- For the ganache, place the dark chocolate in a bowl over a double boiler along with the liquid cream. Mix well until melted and homogeneous.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and place it in the refrigerator to set.
- Once set, you can decorate the cake with melted white chocolate for an elegant and delicious appearance.

Serving and Recommendations

This "Dream" cake is perfect to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee, creating a wonderful contrast between the intense sweetness of the chocolate and the bitterness of the coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine or fruit tea.

Practical Tips

- For added texture, you can add a handful of toasted and coarsely chopped nuts to the chocolate cream.
- If you prefer a more intense rum flavor, you can soak the raisins longer in the essence.
- Use high-quality chocolate to achieve a richer and more intense taste.
- Baking time may vary depending on the type of oven, so it's recommended to check the cake from time to time.

Nutritional Benefits

The "Dream" cake is not just a delicacy but also a source of energy due to its content of nuts and chocolate. Nuts are rich in healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can contribute to heart health. However, like any delicacy, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, you can use white chocolate, but keep in mind that the cake will taste sweeter.

- Can the cake be stored in the refrigerator?
- Yes, the cake stores well in the refrigerator, but it's recommended to let it sit at room temperature to regain its soft texture before serving.

- Can I replace the raisins with other dried fruits?
- Absolutely! You can use dried apricots or cranberries for a different flavor.

The "Dream" cake is an excellent choice for any sweet lover, promising an unforgettable experience. So let's put on our aprons and enjoy the art of cooking! You'll discover that every bite of this cake is truly a dream come true.