Freckled

Freckled – A cake with personality, rich in flavors and textures!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings

When it comes to cakes, Freckled is one of those recipes that not only delights your taste buds but also brings a smile to your face due to its unique appearance. This cake is remarkable for its colorful 'freckles', which are actually delicious combinations of nuts and colored Turkish delight. We also added a personal touch to the recipe by introducing hazelnuts and a delicious chocolate cream that blends perfectly with the fluffy base.

Brief history:
Freckled is a cake with popular origins, often prepared for special occasions or holidays. It reflects the tradition of combining accessible ingredients in creative ways, resulting in a dessert that delights both in taste and appearance.

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 7 eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) crushed nuts
- 1 cup (250 ml) diced colored Turkish delight
- ¾ cup (about 90 g) flour
- A pinch of baking powder
- 2 cups (400 g) sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the chocolate cream:
- 7 egg yolks
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 cube of margarine or 100 g butter (at room temperature)

For assembly:
- 2 sheets of wafer

Step by step:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the egg whites, as this can prevent the whites from whipping well.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until stiff. It is crucial to achieve a fluffy texture for a lighter base.

3. Adding the sugar: Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar while continuing to mix. The mixture should become glossy and have a firm consistency.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the nuts, Turkish delight, and flour mixed with baking powder. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients in, being careful to incorporate them with light, upward motions.

5. Baking the base: Grease a rectangular baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture evenly into the pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the base for 30-35 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test.

6. Preparing the chocolate cream: While the base is baking, prepare the cream. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become white and creamy. Place a bowl over steam (or directly over a pot of boiling water) and add sifted cocoa to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Let the cream cool.

7. Finishing the cream: Once the cream has cooled, add the margarine or butter and beat well until fluffy and smooth.

8. Assembling the cake: On a sheet of wafer, spread half of the chocolate cream. Place the baked base on top, then add the remaining cream. Cover with the second sheet of wafer.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool thoroughly, preferably overnight before cutting. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and make the textures more enjoyable.

Tips and suggestions:
- You can experiment with different ingredients for the cream, adding essences of coffee, lemon, or even white chocolate for a different taste.
- If you want a crunchy note, you can add toasted hazelnuts to the base or the cream.
- Serve Freckled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake brings a combination of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from nuts and margarine. It is important to note that, besides its flavor, Freckled can be high in calories, so it is ideal to enjoy it in moderation. A serving has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios can add a unique touch to your cake.
- Is it necessary to use Turkish delight? No, you can omit this ingredient if you prefer a simpler version, just with nuts and chocolate cream.
- How can I store the cake? Freckled keeps well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for a few days.

I wish you much inspiration and pleasure in preparing this cake! Freckled is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!