Grandfather's Cake

Grandpa's Cake - A Delicacy with Sweet Memories

Grandpa's Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a story, a blend of flavors and textures that reminds us of the moments spent with loved ones. This cake, with its black and white layers filled with delicious creams and flavored syrups, is perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge those dear to us. Let's discover together how to prepare this wonderful cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Black Layer:
- 4 eggs (size L)
- 75 g powdered raw sugar
- 40 g granulated sugar
- 125 ml oil
- 120 g wheat flour
- 15 g dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the White Layer:
- 4 eggs (size L)
- 195 g granulated sugar
- 155 g flour
- 70 ml oil
- 2 teaspoons homemade vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream:
- 1 l sweetened liquid cream
- 200 g white chocolate
- 110 g pear jam
- 3 heaping tablespoons sour cherries in syrup/compote

For the Syrup:
- 50 ml lime syrup mixed with 200 ml still water
- 50 ml sour cherry syrup mixed with 200 ml still water

For Decoration:
- Chopped almonds
- Whole almonds
- Mint leaves

Step by Step

Black Layer

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready to avoid wasting precious time.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It's essential to use fresh eggs to achieve fluffy layers.

3. Beating the egg whites: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the granulated sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial for the cake's final texture.

4. Preparing the yolks: In another bowl, slowly drizzle the oil over the yolks while mixing until you obtain a creamy consistency, similar to mayonnaise.

5. Combining the mixtures: Carefully add the egg whites to the yolk mixture, using a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

6. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Mix the cocoa powder with the baking powder and flour, then fold this combination into the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into a 22 cm greased and floured cake pan. Place the pan in the oven for 5 minutes at 200°C, then reduce the temperature to 190°C and bake for 30 minutes. Check if the layer is baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it's ready!

White Layer

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven again to 190°C.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks, just like for the black layer.

3. Beating the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and 120 g of sugar until you achieve a firm foam.

4. Preparing the yolks: Beat the yolks with 75 g of sugar until they lighten in color and triple in volume.

5. Adding liquid ingredients: To the yolk mixture, add the oil and extracts, mixing well.

6. Combining the mixtures: Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture with a spatula.

7. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, mixing carefully.

8. Baking: Pour the mixture into the same pan and bake according to the instructions given for the black layer.

Creams

1. Preparing the chocolate cream: In a bowl, add 100 ml of liquid cream and 200 g of white chocolate. Place the bowl over a double boiler, stirring constantly until the chocolate completely melts. Let it cool slightly (4-5 minutes).

2. Whipping the cream: Whip the remaining cream until it becomes fluffy and voluminous.

3. Preparing the jam cream: From the whipped cream, take 1 liter and incorporate the pear jam. The remaining cream is mixed with the melted chocolate.

4. Preparing the cherry cream: Take 6 tablespoons from the chocolate mixture and mix them with the sour cherries in syrup.

Assembling the Cake

1. Slicing the layers: Cut each layer into 2 slices.

2. Layering: Start with a slice of white layer, soak it with lime syrup, and add the pear jam cream.

3. Add the black layer: Place a slice of black layer, soak it with cherry syrup, and add the cherry cream.

4. Continue assembling: Repeat the process with the remaining layers, alternating between white and black, to achieve a delicious-looking cake.

5. Decorating: Finally, coat the cake with the chocolate cream and decorate with chopped almonds, whole almonds, and mint leaves. This decoration not only gives the cake an attractive appearance but also adds a crunchy note.

Serving Suggestions

Grandpa's Cake is served with a cup of tea or coffee and can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or extra whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also try adding a berry sauce for a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This cake is an indulgent delight, with each serving containing approximately 450 calories. While it is rich in sugar and fats, ingredients like white chocolate and pear jam bring vitamins and antioxidants. It is important to enjoy this cake in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness of the cake will change.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the layers and creams, or opt for a less sweet pear jam.

3. Can I replace the almonds with something else?
Of course! You can use walnuts, pistachios, or even coconut flakes for a different decoration.

4. What if I don’t have time to make the syrup?
You can skip the syrup, but the cake will be less moist. Alternatively, you can use natural fruit juices to soak the layers.

Grandpa's Cake is undoubtedly a recipe that will bring joy and nostalgia in every slice. Preparing this cake can become a family activity, where each member can contribute something. So, embrace this process and enjoy the final result!