Layered cake with caramel cream

Meter Cake with Caramel Cream - A Holiday Delight

Congratulations, dear reader, on choosing to try this meter cake with caramel cream! This recipe is perfect for celebrating special moments, such as birthdays or family reunions. Each slice offers a delicious contrast between the soft base and the velvety caramel cream, with an elegant presentation that will impress all your loved ones around you.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12-14 slices

Necessary Ingredients

For the Brown Base:
- 5 eggs (for a fluffy texture)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for moisture)
- 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa (for intense flavor)
- 5 tablespoons of flour (provides structure)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (for fluffiness)
- A splash of rum essence (optional, for a subtle aroma)

For the White Base:
- The same ingredients as the brown base, but without cocoa.

For the Cream:
- 12 tablespoons of sugar (for caramelization)
- 1 liter of milk (creamy and rich)
- 75 g of starch (for thickening)
- 100 g of butter (for creaminess)

For Decoration:
- 300 ml of whipping cream (for a light topping)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (preferably powdered, for easy dissolving)
- 1 cream stabilizer (optional, for perfect texture)
- Colored candies (for a festive look)

Preparing the Cake – Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Brown Base
1. In a bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Mix the yolks with the oil until you obtain a creamy composition. Add the rum essence and mix well.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.
3. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.
4. Sift the flour mixed with cocoa and baking powder, then gently incorporate it into the mixture.
5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan lined with flour. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Step 2: Preparing the White Base
1. Repeat the same steps as for the brown base, but replace the cocoa with flour. This base will add a beautiful contrast of colors.

Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Cream
1. In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar over low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.
2. Heat the milk in another saucepan. Once the sugar is caramelized, carefully pour the hot milk over the caramel.
3. Stir over low heat until the caramel completely dissolves in the milk.
4. Dissolve the starch in a little warm milk and add it to the saucepan. Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
5. Once the cream is ready, remove from heat and add the softened butter, mixing well. Let the cream cool before using it.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Once the bases have cooled, cut them into slices about 1 cm thick.
2. Start assembling the cake by standing the slices upright, alternating colors: one white slice, one brown slice, spreading caramel cream on each slice.

Step 5: Decorating
1. Whip the cream at low speed until it holds its shape. Add the sugar and mix until it becomes firm. If necessary, you can add a cream stabilizer.
2. Coat the cake with the whipped cream and decorate with colored candies for a cheerful look.

Serving and Suggestions
Cut the cake into diagonal slices for an elegant appearance. You can serve this cake with a cup of fresh coffee or flavored tea, creating a perfect moment of indulgence. If you prefer a moister taste, you can soak the bases with a vanilla or fruit syrup.

Tips and Advice
- If you want to add an even more special note, you can incorporate pieces of nuts or hazelnuts into the caramel cream for a delicious crunch.
- Instead of candies, you can use chocolate chips or dried fruits for a more sophisticated decoration.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and fluffy composition.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is a true delicacy, offering a combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats (thanks to the butter), and proteins (from the eggs). However, moderation is essential, given its caloric content.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the cake be stored in the fridge? Yes, the cake can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered so it doesn't absorb other flavors.
- Can I substitute sugar? You can use natural sweeteners, but the taste will vary.
- Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with vegan substitutes for eggs and butter.

Enjoy this delicacy and don't hesitate to share the recipe with your friends. Happy Birthday, Anca!