Four-color cake (with chocolate and caramel sauce)

Four-Color Cake (with Chocolate and Caramel Sauce)

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12

In a world full of desserts, the four-color cake stands out for its beauty and complexity. This cake is not just a simple dessert but a true culinary masterpiece that can transform any meal into a special moment. Whether it's an Easter celebration or a birthday party, this cake is the perfect choice! Its rich flavor and velvety texture will delight both the eyes and the taste buds.

The history of this cake is fascinating. Over time, cakes have evolved from simple festive pastries to sophisticated desserts, full of flavors and colors. At the base of this cake lies a classic preparation technique, but each layer adds a note of originality, transforming a traditional dessert into a new experience.

Ingredients needed

To achieve an exceptional four-color cake, make sure you have the following ingredients:

Ingredients for layers 1 and 4 (the lightest and darkest):
- 225 g melted butter
- 225 g fine sugar
- 175 g flour
- 85 g ground nuts
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 150 ml Quark cream
- Vanilla essence
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder

Ingredients for layers 2 and 3:
- 225 g melted butter
- 225 g brown sugar
- 175 g flour
- 85 g ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 150 ml Quark cream
- Vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 140 g dark chocolate
- 140 g tiramisu chocolate (e.g., Schogetten)
- 300 ml heavy cream

Ingredients for the filling:
- 360 g apricot jam
- 3 heaping tablespoons caramel sauce

Step by step for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 170°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the layers.

2. Preparing the pans: Take two 20 cm round cake pans. Place a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of each pan. Grease the sides with a little butter and dust with flour. This way, the layers will easily come out after baking.

3. Preparing layers 1 and 4: In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for layers 1 and 4, except for the cocoa powder. Use a mixer to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Divide the mixture in two – each half will weigh about 480 g. Pour half of the mixture into the first pan, and mix the other half with cocoa powder and pour it into the second pan. Bake the layers for 20-25 minutes, then let them cool on a rack.

4. Preparing layers 2 and 3: Repeat the same steps for layers 2 and 3, using the corresponding ingredients. This way, you will obtain the four colored layers that will form the base of the cake.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the apricot jam with the caramel sauce. Use a hand mixer or blender to obtain a smooth paste. Make sure the fruit pulp is well crushed for a fine texture.

6. Assembling the cake: After the layers have completely cooled, start assembling. Divide the jam paste into three equal parts. Spread one-third of the paste on the lightest layer, then place the next layer and spread another third of the paste on it. Continue with the cocoa layer (the one where you added only one tablespoon of cocoa), spread the remaining paste, and finish with the last layer, the darkest one.

7. Preparing the glaze: In a saucepan, add all the ingredients for the glaze: dark chocolate, tiramisu chocolate, and heavy cream. Heat over low heat and stir until the chocolate completely melts and the mixture becomes homogeneous.

8. Glazing the cake: Let the glaze cool for 10 minutes until it becomes manageable but not completely solid. Use a spatula to spread the glaze over the cake, starting with the edges and continuing with the top. Let the cake set at room temperature to maintain its shine.

Serving suggestions: The four-color cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or an additional caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, a cup of fragrant tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Tips and variations:
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or fruits to customize the layers.
- Instead of apricot jam, you can try raspberry or berry jam for a tangier note.
- If you want a lighter cake, you can replace the Quark cream with Greek yogurt.

Nutritional benefits: This cake, while indulgent, contains beneficial ingredients such as nuts and almonds, which are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins. Using dark chocolate brings essential antioxidants, and the apricot jam provides vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, it is recommended to slice it before freezing and wrap it well to prevent drying out.

Now that you have all the details, you are ready to prepare this delight! With patience and creativity, the four-color cake will surely become the star of your table. Enjoy!