Hedgehog Cake

Hedgehog Cake: A Delicacy with Personality

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, the Hedgehog Cake finds its honored place due to its playful appearance and delicious taste. This is a quick and easy dessert to prepare that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Inspired by sweet traditions of the past, the Hedgehog Cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply to enjoy a sweet snack with family.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 500 grams of plain biscuits (use simple, unfilled biscuits for a balanced taste)
- 3 tablespoons of honey (preferably organic for a more intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa (choose high-quality cocoa for a rich aroma)
- 100 grams of sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (adds a touch of warmth and depth)
- 200 grams of grated coconut (use shredded coconut for added texture)
- 50 grams of Rama margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 2 essences of rum (for an inviting aroma)
- 300 ml of milk (can be plant-based milk for a healthier option)
- 3 tablespoons of raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

For the mascarpone cream and decoration:
- 1 box of mascarpone (250 grams)
- 50 grams of powdered sugar
- a small cup of brewed coffee (you can use milk instead of coffee if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Viva cereal (for the "spikes")

Step by Step:

1. Breaking the Biscuits:
Start by breaking the biscuits into small pieces. You can use a mixer, but make sure they don’t turn into powder, but remain in various sizes. This will add texture to your cake.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the broken biscuits with honey, cocoa, sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, coconut, melted margarine, and rum essences. Use a spatula or a large spoon to combine the ingredients well. If the mixture is too dry, gradually add the milk, mixing until you achieve a consistency similar to that of biscuit salami.

3. Cooling the Mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to firm up slightly.

4. Preparing the Mascarpone Cream:
In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with powdered sugar, coffee (or milk), and cocoa. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and airy cream. This will add a rich and creamy layer to your cake.

5. Shaping the Cake:
After the biscuit mixture has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and shape it into a hedgehog on a platter. You can give it an oval shape with a slight peak in the middle to mimic a real hedgehog.

6. Applying the Cream:
Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the surface of the cake, making sure to cover all sides.

7. Decorating with Cereal:
Stick the Viva cereals into the cake, starting from the top and continuing down the sides. These will imitate the hedgehog's spikes. Add a few cereals for eyes and a nose for a playful look.

8. Serving:
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes before serving, to allow the cream to firm up slightly. Then, slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:
The Hedgehog Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a flavored tea, but can also be enjoyed alongside a glass of cold milk. Additionally, you can add a spoonful of whipped cream on top for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations:
- You can replace coconut with ground nuts or almonds for a different taste.
- Add chocolate chips or candied fruits for an even richer flavor.
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup for a vegan option.

Nutritional Benefits:
The Hedgehog Cake is a source of carbohydrates from biscuits and sugar, but also of healthy fats from coconut and butter. Although it is a sweet dessert, you can control the portions to enjoy it without overindulging.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use gluten-free biscuits? Absolutely! There are gluten-free biscuits that can be successfully used.
- What can I use instead of mascarpone? You can replace mascarpone with a mixture of cottage cheese and sour cream, but the taste will be different.
- How long can the cake be kept? The Hedgehog Cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but is most delicious in the first 1-2 days.

A Personal Note:
The Hedgehog Cake was introduced to me by a dear friend, who often made it for her children’s birthdays. Every time we made it together, it was a joy to see the smiles on the little ones' faces. This recipe is not just a dessert, but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Try it yourself and let it become part of your family traditions!