Lover's Cake

Cake "In Love" - A Delight for Hearts and Taste Buds

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a decadent cake, especially when it comes to celebrating love? The "In Love" cake is a perfect choice for any romantic occasion, especially for Valentine’s Day. This delicious dessert combines a fluffy, aromatic sponge with a rich white chocolate mousse and a chocolate glaze that is sure to win anyone's heart.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 3 eggs + 2 yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla essence

For the white chocolate mousse:
- 120 g white chocolate
- 4 yolks
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 g gelatin sheets
- Vanilla essence

For the syrup:
- Water
- Sugar
- Rum essence

For the chocolate glaze:
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g cocoa
- 175 ml water
- 6 g gelatin sheets

For decoration:
- Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- Ground walnuts or hazelnuts

A Brief History

White chocolate desserts have become popular in recent decades, appreciated for their creamy texture and sweet taste. The "In Love" cake combines these attributes with a love story, turning each slice into an experience full of emotion and flavor. It is a cake that not only looks splendid but also offers an explosion of flavors that will make your heart race.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Sponge

Start by preparing the sponge. In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and 2 yolks, along with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for about 15 minutes until it becomes a firm, light-colored cream. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy sponge.

Add the flour gradually, mixing with a wooden spoon in gentle, upward motions to avoid losing air from the mixture. Transfer the batter to a large baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. Check if the sponge is ready by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s time to take the tray out of the oven.

After baking, let the sponge cool on a kitchen towel to avoid condensation.

2. Preparing the White Chocolate Mousse

While the sponge cools, you can start preparing the mousse. Melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, let it cool.

In another bowl, soak the gelatin in cold water. In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until they become a smooth cream. Add the melted white chocolate, vanilla essence, and the soaked and melted gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water.

Separately, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Gently fold the cream into the chocolate mixture using slow, upward motions to maintain the mousse’s aeration.

3. Preparing the Syrup

For the syrup, boil water with sugar and rum essence until the sugar completely dissolves. This will add moisture and flavor to your sponge.

4. Preparing the Chocolate Glaze

For the chocolate glaze, mix all the ingredients in a saucepan (except for the gelatin, which will be soaked in cold water). Place the saucepan on the heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches boiling point. Remove from heat and add the squeezed gelatin, mixing well. Let the glaze cool to room temperature.

5. Assembling the Cake

Cut the cooled sponge into two equal parts. Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut out a heart shape from each piece. Place one of the sponges on a heart-shaped cardboard, soaking it with the prepared syrup.

Spread an even layer of white chocolate mousse, then cover with the other sponge, which you also soak with syrup.

6. Applying the Glaze

Place the cake on a rack over a larger tray. Using a ladle, pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, ensuring it is evenly covered. Repeat this process several times to achieve a beautiful, glossy glaze.

Once finished, let the cake cool in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set well.

7. Decorating the Cake

After the cake has cooled and the glaze has set, you can decorate it as you wish. Berries add a fresh and vibrant touch, while ground nuts or hazelnuts provide a pleasant crunchy texture.

Practical Tips

- Use high-quality white chocolate for a truly delicious mousse.
- Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping to achieve the perfect texture.
- You can customize the cake with your favorite flavors by adding a few drops of orange essence to the mousse or glaze.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, being even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving approximately)

Calories: 360
Fats: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Proteins: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, but it will change the taste and appearance of the mousse.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I prepare the cake in advance?
It is recommended to prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop.

4. What other desserts can it be paired with?
This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce.

The "In Love" cake is more than just a dessert; it is a declaration of love, a way to share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Each slice is an explosion of flavors and emotions, perfect for celebrating love in all its forms. So, embrace your creative side and enjoy the cooking process!