Fake ice cream cake

Fake Ice Cream Cake - A summer delight in every bite

Welcome to the world of desserts that blend pleasure with childhood memories. The fake ice cream cake is a recipe that brings a smile to anyone's face, evoking the taste of creamy vanilla ice cream, even on the coldest winter days. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a family gathering, or simply a personal treat.

It is a simple and accessible recipe that accompanied me during my first attempts in the kitchen and has always been a success. Each bite will remind you of warm summer days when ice cream was the favorite dessert. So, let's get to work!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: approx. 1 hour (plus cooling time)
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base (23x40 cm):
- 5 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cocoa (don't forget to add it!)

For the vanilla cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 250 ml milk
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla essence

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g sugar

Instructions

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as they will not whip well.
- In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them at high speed until frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue.
- Then add the egg yolks and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula to avoid losing air.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, pour the batter evenly, and level it. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Preparing the vanilla cream:
- In a saucepan, combine the egg yolks with the cornstarch and milk. Place the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened like a pudding.
- Once the cream is ready, add the vanilla essence and let it cool.
- In another bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled cream, mixing well. Don't worry if the cream seems to have curdled at first; it will return to the right consistency!

3. Preparing the meringue:
- Beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Once the base has completely cooled, spread the vanilla cream evenly over it. Then, add the meringue, leveling it with a spatula.
- If desired, you can decorate with horizontal lines of melted chocolate for an appetizing look.

5. Cooling:
- Leave the cake in the refrigerator to set (ideally overnight, but if you're impatient, a minimum of 2 hours will suffice).

Practical tips
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help achieve a better texture.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or fresh fruits between the layers of cream and meringue for a crunchy and flavorful touch.
- Serving: The cake is served cold, making it ideal alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce.
- Storage: You can keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it will be just as delicious the next day.

Nutritional benefits
This fake ice cream cake contains protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the butter, and antioxidants from cocoa, making it a better choice than many other processed desserts. However, moderation is essential, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions
- Why did the cream curdle?
If your cream curdled, you may have added it too quickly to the whipped butter. Make sure to add the cooled cream gradually and mix well.

- Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or natural sweeteners, but you will need to adjust the quantities.

The fake ice cream cake is a recipe that will make you feel like a true chef, even if you are just starting out. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and don't forget to savor every delicious slice!