Dulsinea Cake

Dulsineea cake is a symbol of sweetness and joy, perfect for adding a touch of magic to any festive meal. This recipe, with delicate layers and a delicious cream, combines the authentic flavors of simple yet characterful ingredients. Whether you prepare it for Christmas, a birthday, or simply to indulge in something special, this cake will bring a smile to the faces of all who taste it. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (20% fat)
- 650 g flour
- 80 g margarine
- 150 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- Milk (a few tablespoons, as needed to homogenize the dough)

For the cream:
- 250 ml milk
- Vanilla sugar or vanilla essence (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 80 g semolina
- 5-6 tablespoons sour jam (apricots, rose hips, plums; preferably apricot jam)
- Powdered sugar for finishing

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the layers

We start with preparing the layers. In a saucepan, add the margarine, honey, and sugar. Place the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is essential for obtaining delicate layers, so don’t skip it!

Once the mixture has cooled slightly, add the flour mixed with baking soda gradually, stirring continuously. Once you have incorporated all the flour, add the egg and sour cream. Start kneading, gradually adding milk until the dough becomes homogeneous. It is important to achieve a soft, but not sticky texture.

Divide the dough into four equal parts. On a floured surface or on sheets of baking paper, roll out each part into thin layers. Make sure they are as evenly sized as possible to ensure even baking. Before placing them in the oven, use a fork to prick them, helping to prevent puffing during baking.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Carefully transfer the layers using the baking paper to a tray. Bake each layer one at a time until the edges become golden. This step is quick, so be careful not to leave them too long!

2. Preparing the cream

Now let’s move on to the delicious cream. In a saucepan, bring the milk, honey, and sugar to a boil. When the milk starts to boil, add the semolina in a rain, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Boil the mixture until it thickens well.

Once the cream has cooled to room temperature, add the vanilla essence and butter. Mixing at high speed is essential to achieve a fluffy cream. A useful tip: do not let the cream cool completely, as it may become solid and hard to mix.

3. Assembling the cake

Assembling is the most fun part! Use the first layer as a base and cover it with half of the prepared cream. Place the second layer on top and sprinkle it with the sour jam. The third layer goes on top, and the remaining cream is spread evenly. Finally, cover with the fourth layer.

To allow the cake to set perfectly, place a larger tray on top with a weight (for example, a few heavy books) and leave it in a cool place to rest overnight. This is an important secret: do not try to cut the cake on the same day, as the layers will be crumbly. The next day, the cake will be perfectly soft and delicious.

4. Finishing the cake

Before cutting the cake into desired shapes (rectangles, squares, or diamonds), trim the edges with a knife for a nicer appearance. Dust the surface with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and a sweet taste.

Variations and Suggestions

If you want to explore other flavors, try replacing the apricot jam with blackberry or raspberry jam for a fresh note. Also, the cream can be diversified using cocoa or melted chocolate for a decadent version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter or coconut oil, but each will influence the texture and final taste of the layers.

2. What jam is best suited for this cake?
Apricot jam is most recommended due to its balance between sweet and sour, but feel free to experiment with your favorite jams.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for a few days. It is ideal to be served cold.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is rich in carbohydrates from flour and sugar, providing an energy boost. Semolina adds fiber, and the jam adds vitamins and antioxidants, especially if made from fresh fruit. However, remember to consume it in moderation!

Dulsineea cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that brings joy and nostalgia. Each bite is a sweet memory, perfect to be shared with loved ones. So, put on your apron and let yourself be inspired by this wonderful recipe – we promise you won’t regret it! Enjoy your meal!