Garfield Cake

Garfield Cake: A Delightful Treat Full of Smiles for David

What could be more special than a personalized cake dedicated to a birthday? Today we will prepare a delicious Garfield cake, inspired by David's favorite character. Although it may not have turned out perfect on the first try, the joy it brought was worth all the effort. This recipe is a mix of fluffy vanilla and chocolate layers, along with creamy cheese and chocolate fillings. Let's start our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 12 eggs (free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 12 tablespoons water
- 24 tablespoons flour
- 24 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- Vanilla extract

For the creams:
- 250g plain cream cheese
- 250g cottage cheese with nuts
- 200g white chocolate
- 200g dark chocolate
- 400ml whipping cream
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the syrup:
- 500ml water
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- A little vanilla

For decoration:
- Vanilla/cocoa sticks (wafer rolls)
- Colored fondant
- 1 pack unsalted butter

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the 6 egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as this prevents them from whipping properly.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the 6 egg whites and the 6 tablespoons of water. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks.

3. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks into the egg white mixture, mixing well to combine.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the flour and vanilla extract, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the meringue.

5. Baking the layer: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan (buttered and floured) and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick.

6. Repeating the process: Repeat the same steps for the second layer, adding the 4 tablespoons of cocoa to the layer mixture. Bake in the same pan to maintain proportions.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Melting the chocolate: Melt the white and dark chocolate in separate bowls, using a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to burn it.

2. Preparing Cream 1: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese with half of the whipping cream and the melted white chocolate. Add a little vanilla and mix well until you obtain a smooth cream.

3. Preparing Cream 2: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with nuts, the remaining whipping cream, and the melted dark chocolate. Gently mix to avoid deflating the cream.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Slicing the layers: Once the layers have completely cooled, slice each layer into two layers.

2. Soaking the layers: Prepare the syrup by boiling the water with brown sugar and a little vanilla. Let it cool. Soak each layer before adding the cream.

3. White layer: Place the first white layer, soak it, then add a thin layer of dark cream. Place a few white vanilla sticks on top.

4. Continuing the assembly: Add another layer of dark cream to cover the sticks, followed by a soaked black layer, a white cream layer, a few black cocoa sticks, and continue this process alternating layers of cake and cream until the end.

5. Finalizing the cake: The last layer should be a soaked layer. Cream the soft butter with a little powdered sugar and vanilla, then coat the cake with the buttercream, ensuring it is even.

Step 4: Decorating

1. Glazing the cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator to set the glaze. Once set, cover the cake with orange fondant.

2. Ornamenting: Use the fondant to create details that transform it into a Garfield cake. Imagination is the limit, so feel free to be creative!

Serving and Suggestions

Serve the Garfield cake with a glass of cold milk or a cup of flavored coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream is a perfect accompaniment. This cake will not only impress with its appearance but will also bring an explosion of flavors.

Practical Tips

- Check the ingredients: Use quality ingredients, especially eggs, as they influence the texture of the layers.
- Patience when whipping the cream: Do not over-whip the cream, or it will turn into butter. Stop when it becomes firm but still slightly soft.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding a few drops of almond or orange essence to the creams. You can also replace the chocolate with fresh fruits for a fresher cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?: Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with mascarpone for a more decadent cream.

2. How do I store the cake?: It is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, to prevent it from drying out.

3. How long can the cake be stored?: This cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although a delicacy, contains nutritious ingredients. Cottage cheese and cream cheese are excellent sources of protein and calcium, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants that can help maintain heart health.

Now that you have gone through each step, all that’s left is to get to work! The Garfield cake is not just a recipe but an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every smile this cake will bring!