Grape Jelly Cake

Grape Jelly Cake: A Decadent Delight

If you are looking for a dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste, the grape jelly cake is the perfect choice. This cake not only adds a touch of elegance to your table, but it is also an explosion of flavors, combining fluffy sponge with creamy texture and the freshness of grapes. Let yourself be carried away by the story of this cake and follow the simple steps to bring it to life!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Total time: 5 hours
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g margarine for creams

For the jelly:
- 500 ml lemon juice (or grape juice for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 packets of gelatin
- Fresh black and white grapes (for a vibrant appearance)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the 5 tablespoons of water until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. Gradually add the oil, followed by the egg yolks, and mix gently. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and incorporate this mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula to maintain air in the batter.

2. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a round, greased and floured pan, and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, cut it in half to obtain two sponge layers.

3. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the sugar and pudding packet, stirring constantly until thickened. Once the pudding is ready, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming and let it cool completely. After cooling, mix the cream with the margarine until it becomes a fluffy and homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the cake: Place the first sponge layer on a serving platter and surround it with a removable ring. Soak the sponge with the juice from which you made the jelly (or with a sugar syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste). Add a portion of the vanilla cream, followed by grapes, then continue with the rest of the cream. Place the second sponge layer on top, which will also be soaked.

5. Preparing the jelly: Hydrate the gelatin in the lemon juice for 10 minutes. After the gelatin has hydrated, gently heat the mixture, but do not boil it. Let the gelatin cool slightly until it starts to set. Pour the gelatin over the cake, ensuring it distributes evenly. Let the cake cool for a few hours (ideally overnight) for the jelly to set.

6. Serving: Once the cake is fully set, remove the removable ring. Decorate with fresh grapes and, if desired, add a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color. Serve the cake chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of fluffy sponge, creamy filling, and fresh jelly!

Helpful tips:

- Use grapes in varying shades of white and black for a visually striking appearance.
- To add a hint of flavor, try adding a bit of cinnamon or vanilla to the pudding cream.
- If you want a moister cake, you can add a teaspoon of rum essence to the soaking syrup.
- Make sure the gelatin is not too hot when pouring it over the cake, otherwise it will quickly absorb moisture from the sponge.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of fruit for the jelly?
Of course! You can experiment with peaches, strawberries, or even kiwi to add a personal touch to the cake.

2. How can I make the cake without sugar?
Try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to sweeten both the sponge and the cream.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water, and the margarine with vegan butter.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A glass of prosecco or a cold lemonade will pair perfectly with this refined cake.

This grape jelly cake recipe is not just a dessert, but a true feast for the senses. Try it and discover how easy it is to bring a touch of magic to your table!