Florin's cake

Florin's cake is a special recipe that brings a touch of joy and warmth to every celebration. This delicacy is not just a vegan dessert, but also a celebration of traditions and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. When it comes to this cake, I recommend preparing not only to cook but also to create cherished memories.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g margarine
- 150 ml soy milk (or other types of plant milk, depending on preferences)
- 15 g fresh yeast
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 80 g ground walnuts
- Lemon zest, to taste
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Ingredients for the cream:
- 100 ml soy milk
- 200-250 ml cherry juice (preferably natural, from a carton)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g margarine
- 100 g cooking chocolate
- Almond essence, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by warming the soy milk in a small saucepan, being careful not to boil it. In a large bowl, combine the flour, fresh yeast, baking powder, ground walnuts, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Add the grated lemon zest, which will provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
Pour the warm milk over the mixture of dry ingredients and start mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough. This dough should have a consistency that flows easily.

3. Proofing the dough:
Transfer the dough to a bundt pan greased with margarine or oil. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

4. Baking the bases:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test (if the toothpick comes out clean, the base is ready). Let it cool completely before cutting.

5. Preparing the cream:
In a saucepan, mix the cornstarch with 100 ml of soy milk, cocoa, sugar, and cherry juice. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. When the mixture begins to thicken, add the margarine and broken cooking chocolate. Continue to stir until the chocolate completely melts, and the cream becomes smooth and homogeneous. Finally, add the almond essence for a refined taste.

6. Assembling the cake:
After the base has cooled, cut it into two equal halves. Place the first half on a platter, add a generous portion of cream, and then place the second half of the base on top. Cover the cake with the remaining cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

7. Decorating the cake:
Use caramelized sugar to decorate the surface of the cake, adding a touch of crunch. You can garnish the cake with fresh fruits like strawberries or cherries for a vibrant look and a note of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Be careful not to use cold ingredients, as warm milk activates the yeast, which is essential for proper proofing.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or seeds in the base, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to add a personal touch.
- If you want to enrich the cream, you can also add a little vanilla or orange extract for a more complex flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Florin's cake, with ingredients like soy milk and nuts, is quite a healthy choice. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories. Nuts are a good source of healthy proteins and omega-3 fats, while cocoa is a powerful antioxidant. Cherry juice provides essential vitamins and minerals, and cakes made with whole flour offer a fiber boost.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter if you are not following a vegan diet. The taste will be richer and creamier.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
3. Can I use other fruits for decoration?
Of course! You can use any seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or raspberries, depending on your preferences.

Serving suggestions:
Florin's cake is wonderful served alongside a cup of fruit tea or coffee, but also with a glass of fresh cherry juice or a green smoothie. This combination will highlight all the flavors of the cake and turn a simple meal into a feast full of tastes.

In the end, Florin's cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge, this recipe will surely delight you. Enjoy your meal!