Little Red Riding Hood Cake

The "Little Red Riding Hood" cake is a wonderful choice for birthdays, children's parties, or any special occasion. This cake not only looks fantastic but also has a unique taste, with a perfect balance between sweet and tart, thanks to the sour cherries. I will present you with a detailed step-by-step recipe to help you become the star of the party.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of Nutella
- 1 jar of sour cherries (pitted)

For the cream:
- 400-500 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or mascarpone)
- 150 g liquid cream
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon (to taste)

For decoration:
- 1 packet of red Tort-gelee (Dr. Oetker)
- 150 ml sour cherry juice
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 8-10 sour cherries (for decoration)

Recipe history

This cake has its roots in culinary traditions that combine sweetness with fruit, highlighting natural flavors. The popularity of the "Little Red Riding Hood" cake has grown with the interest in desserts that impress both in appearance and taste. It is a perfect example of how you can transform an ordinary cake into a true culinary masterpiece by combining diverse textures and unmistakable flavors.

Step by step in making the cake

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the soft butter with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it becomes a light and fluffy foam.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Gradually incorporate the yolks into the butter cream, mixing continuously. This step is essential to achieve an airy texture.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Start incorporating the flour mixture into the yolk composition, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.
4. Beat the egg whites separately until they form a firm foam. Gradually incorporate them into the final mixture, mixing carefully from top to bottom.

Step 2: Baking the layers

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Pour half of the dough into a detachable cake pan lined with baking paper.
3. In the remaining mixture, add the 2-3 tablespoons of Nutella and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
4. Add the drained sour cherries to the Nutella mixture, mixing gently to distribute them evenly.
5. Pour this mixture over the white layer in the pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the layer is well browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the layer cool completely in the pan.

Step 3: Preparing the cream

1. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Use a mixer to obtain a fine texture.
2. Incorporate the liquid cream into the cheese mixture, mixing gently until the cream is homogeneous and airy.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Once the layer has cooled completely, spread the cheese cream evenly over its surface. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set slightly.
2. Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the package, using the sour cherry syrup for extra flavor. Pour the jelly over the cheese cream and let it set.

Step 5: Decorating the cake

1. After the jelly has set, decorate the cake with whipped cream and place the remaining sour cherries on top. This detail not only adds an attractive look but also an extra flavor.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality butter for a more intense flavor. Also, choose quality canned sour cherries that are not too sweet to maintain the flavor balance.
- Gluten-free option: You can adapt this recipe using gluten-free flour, which will work just as well.
- Personalization: Add white chocolate or chocolate chips to the cheese cream for a decadent touch.
- Serving: The "Little Red Riding Hood" cake pairs perfectly with fresh lemonade or fruit tea.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of sour cherries?
Of course! You can experiment with peaches, strawberries, or blueberries, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do if I don't have Nutella?
You can replace Nutella with cocoa paste or peanut butter to keep the chocolate flavor.

3. How long can the cake be kept?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

The "Little Red Riding Hood" cake is not just a delicacy but also a joyful experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you're making it for a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and enjoy every slice!