Fragrant coffee cake

Coffee-flavored cake: a perfect delight for coffee and dessert lovers, this recipe combines delicious textures and enticing aromas, bringing together cocoa sponge and smooth cream cheese. Baking this cake is not only a pleasant activity but also a way to pamper and surprise your loved ones with a refined dessert. Let's embark on this captivating recipe, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the sponge:
- 4 large eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 150 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 350 g flour
- 50 g cocoa
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the cream cheese:
- 200 g sweet cheese (fresh, like ricotta or mascarpone)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla pod for a more intense flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft enough to incorporate easily. It’s good to leave the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. It’s also recommended to have all ingredients at hand to save time during preparation.

2. Creaming the sugar with the egg yolks: In a large bowl, add the four egg yolks and sugar. Using a mixer, cream the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes creamy and light in color. This is a crucial step, as the air incorporated will help achieve a fluffy sponge.

3. Incorporating the butter and cocoa: Add the soft butter to the yolk mixture and continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mass. Then, sift the cocoa into the mixture and mix well. The cocoa will add not only flavor but also a rich color to the cake.

4. Preparing the coffee: In a small bowl, dissolve the two tablespoons of instant coffee in the warm milk (100 ml). This will enhance the coffee flavor, giving the cake a deep and comforting taste.

5. Combining the wet ingredients: Pour the milk with coffee into the butter and yolk mixture, mixing well to combine all ingredients.

6. Adding the flour: Sift the flour with the baking powder and gradually incorporate it into the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps. It’s important not to overmix to preserve the sponge’s texture.

7. Preparing the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the four egg whites until you achieve a stiff peak. This will help aerate the batter. Gently fold the egg whites into the cocoa mixture using a spatula and gentle folding motions to retain the air.

8. Preparing the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the sweet cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. If you want an even more intense vanilla flavor, you can use a vanilla pod, which you will slice lengthwise and extract the seeds.

9. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm) with butter and line it with baking paper. Pour three-quarters of the cocoa batter into the tray, smoothing it with a spatula. Bake for 10 minutes until the sponge starts to set but is not fully baked.

10. Adding the cream and finishing baking: Remove the tray from the oven and spread the cream cheese over the sponge. Then, pour the remaining cocoa batter over the cream, being careful not to mix the two layers. Bake the cake for 25-35 minutes until it is nicely browned on top and passes the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).

11. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as the cake will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven. Once cooled, cut into portions and serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly delightful experience.

Serving suggestions: This coffee-flavored cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade caramel sauce. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Possible variations: You can add chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the batter for extra texture. Also, for a fruitier note, try adding some slices of banana or peaches to the cream cheese.

Nutritional benefits: This cake offers a balance between carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to ingredients like eggs and sweet cheese. The cocoa brings antioxidants, while the coffee contains compounds that can enhance focus and mood.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, but make sure to choose one with a creamy texture.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
3. Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can try replacing the eggs and cheese with vegan alternatives to adapt the recipe.

So now that you know how to prepare this coffee-flavored cake, all that's left is to get cooking. With each bite, you will feel the rich flavors of cocoa and coffee intertwining with the smooth texture of the cream cheese, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!