Heart cake

Heart Cake - A Delight with an Emotional Touch

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 12 hours
Number of servings: 12
Weight: 1.500 kg

This heart cake recipe is perfect for celebrating the special moments in our lives. Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday, or simply an occasion to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones, this cake with a composition of charlotte and fruits will surely please everyone. Additionally, decorating it with a personalized message makes it even more special. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the charlotte composition:
- 3 packets of gelatin (10 gr. x 3)
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 5 peach halves from canned fruit
- A few pitted sour cherries from canned fruit
- 150 gr. raisins
- 50 ml cherry brandy or cognac

For the whipped cream:
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 200 gr. heavy cream

For decoration:
- White whipped cream (reserve from the whipped cream quantity)
- Golden sprinkles
- Two chocolate hearts

Step by Step

1. Hydrate the gelatin: Start by soaking the gelatin in 100 ml of water. Let it absorb well for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft.

2. Prepare the charlotte composition: In a double-bottomed pot, add the hydrated gelatin, the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and the beaten egg. Place the pot on low heat, stirring continuously. It is essential not to bring it to a boil, as the gelatin will curdle, and the composition will not have the desired consistency. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.

3. Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream together with one cup of granulated sugar until firm. Add the heavy cream and gently fold with a spatula to maintain the airiness of the composition.

4. Hydrate the raisins: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in 50 ml of cherry brandy or cognac for about 30 minutes. This step will enhance the flavor of the raisins and add a touch of taste to the cake.

5. Prepare the fruits: Drain the sour cherries and peach halves from the canned fruit, ensuring they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

6. Combine the ingredients: Once the gelatin has cooled, incorporate it into the whipped cream, gently mixing. Add the drained raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

7. Assemble the cake: Prepare a removable cake pan (ideally in the shape of a heart to match the theme). Line the pan with plastic wrap to facilitate the removal of the cake. Pour ½ of the charlotte composition into the pan, then place the peach halves and sour cherries, arranging them as desired. Cover with the remaining composition, level it well, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.

8. Decorate the cake: After the cake has set, remove it from the pan and take off the plastic wrap. Decorate with white whipped cream, golden sprinkles, and chocolate hearts for a festive and attractive appearance.

Practical Tips

- Gelatin: Always ensure that the gelatin is well-hydrated and does not reach boiling point. You can check this by touching the composition; if it is too hot, let it cool more before combining it with the other ingredients.

- Flavors: If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence or a split vanilla pod to the charlotte composition.

- Fruits: You can experiment with different types of fruits, such as pineapple or kiwi, to add a tropical touch to the cake.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of heart cake contains approximately 250 calories, offering a combination of carbohydrates from sugar and fruits, fats from cream, and proteins from the egg. It is an excellent choice for an occasional dessert, but remember to maintain a balance in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use vegetarian gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin, following the instructions on the package for hydrating and incorporating it into the composition.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the composition or opt for unsweetened cream.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Although it is recommended to consume the cake fresh, you can freeze it without the whipped cream. Ensure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Serving and Pairing

The heart cake can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fruit sorbet for a refreshing contrast. You can accompany the dessert with a sweet wine or a non-alcoholic beverage like natural fruit juice.

This heart cake recipe will not only delight the taste buds but will also add a touch of warmth and love to every moment spent with loved ones. Prepare it with love and enjoy every slice!