French cake

The French cake is a true culinary masterpiece, a combination of textures and flavors that will make you fall in love with every bite. With a light and crumbly base, filled with delicious vanilla and cocoa creams, this cake promises to be the star of any festive meal. Get ready to impress friends and family with this elegant and sophisticated recipe, while also being simple and accessible.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 1 cup of flour
- 100 g butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 1 pinch of salt

For the choux:
- 100 g butter
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 250 ml water
- 2 cups of flour
- salt (to taste)
- 7 large eggs

For the filling:
- 1 packet of vanilla Crem Ole
- 1 packet of cocoa Crem Ole
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 300 ml milk

For decoration:
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 50 g melted chocolate

History of the French Cake:
The French cake, with deep roots in European culinary art, was originally created as a refined combination of simple ingredients, to bring joy and flavor to special meals. Over time, it has evolved, becoming a symbol of elegance and refinement in gastronomy, often associated with festive occasions and celebrations.

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help achieve a fine and airy texture.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the powdered sugar, melted and cooled butter, egg yolk, salt, vanilla sugar, and baking soda.
3. Mix the ingredients with your fingers or a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous dough. This will be the perfect base for your cake.

Step 2: Baking the base
1. Roll out the dough into a thick sheet of about 0.5 cm and place it on the bottom of a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden. Make sure not to leave it in the oven too long, as you want to keep the moisture.

Step 3: Preparing the choux
1. In a saucepan, boil the water together with the butter, oil, and salt.
2. When the water starts to boil, add all the flour at once and mix quickly with a spatula until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the saucepan.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
4. Add the eggs one by one, mixing vigorously after each addition. The best recommendation is not to add the next egg until the first one is fully absorbed. You will obtain a soft and cohesive mixture, perfect for forming choux.

Step 4: Baking the choux
1. Fill a pastry bag with the choux mixture and form a ring of dough on the baking tray lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake the choux at high heat, then reduce the temperature to medium and leave them until they are golden brown. These will add not only a contrast of texture but also an element of sophistication to your cake.

Step 5: Preparing the creams
1. In a bowl, prepare the vanilla cream by mixing 1 packet of vanilla Crem Ole with 250 ml of cream and 150 ml of milk, according to the instructions on the package.
2. Proceed in the same way for the cocoa cream, using the corresponding ingredients. These creams will add a rich flavor and a velvety texture to the cake.

Step 6: Assembling the cake
1. Fill the choux with a portion of the vanilla cream and a portion of the cocoa cream.
2. Place the crumbly base on a serving platter and cover it with the remaining vanilla cream.
3. Place the baked ring filled with the remaining cocoa cream on top, and in the center of the cake, fill the remaining space with choux, forming an attractive pyramid.

Step 7: Decorating the cake
1. Coat the edge of the cake with whipped cream and garnish it with melted chocolate, creating an elegant and attractive appearance.

Serving and suggestions:
The French cake is perfect for serving on special occasions, anniversaries, or simply for indulging yourself. You can pair it with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of sweet wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the cake. Another excellent option is to serve it with a red fruit sauce, which will add a note of freshness and a contrast of color.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour for the base?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but it will change the textures and final taste.
- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and creams, or you can add a sour fruit sauce for a pleasant contrast.
- How long does the cake keep in the fridge?
The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered to prevent drying out.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and cream, thus providing a healthy nutritional intake. Additionally, butter brings healthy fats, but it is important to consume it in moderation, given its high-calorie content. A serving of cake contains approximately 450 calories, so make sure to enjoy it in moderation!

In conclusion, the French cake is a simple yet impressive recipe that can bring a touch of magic to any occasion. With every bite, you will feel the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and your family and friends will be delighted by your culinary delights. So, don’t wait any longer! Step into the kitchen and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!