Luca Cake

Luca Cake – A Fluffy Delight with Mascarpone Cream and Fresh Fruits

Who doesn't love a decadent cake that combines the fluffy texture of the sponge with the richness of a delicious cream? The Luca Cake is a perfect choice for any special occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings, and even for a simple weekend treat. This cake, with a fine sponge and light mascarpone cream, is accompanied by fresh fruits that add a touch of freshness. Let's discover this captivating recipe together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 8 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 200g sugar
- 100g flour
- 50g cornstarch
- 50g melted butter (make sure it's warm, not hot)
- 1 vial of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract)

For the cream:
- 500g mascarpone (ideally at room temperature)
- 120ml heavy cream (you can use whipping cream)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

For the topping:
- 1 liter of heavy cream for whipping
- Fresh fruits of your choice (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, etc.)
- Syrup (optional, for glazing)

Preparing the Sponge

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in a clean, dry bowl. It is important that the bowl used for the egg whites is completely free of fat; otherwise, they will not whip well.

2. Whipping the yolks: Add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar and the vial of vanilla to the yolks. Using a mixer, beat the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until it doubles in volume and becomes a pale cream.

3. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture of the sponge.

4. Combining the mixtures: With a spatula, carefully add the whipped yolks to the egg whites, gently folding to preserve the air in the mixture. Then, sift the flour and cornstarch over the top and continue to mix gently.

5. Adding the butter: Finally, incorporate the melted (but warm) butter into the mixture, mixing carefully not to lose the air accumulated.

6. Baking: Prepare a 26 cm springform pan greased with a little butter and lined with baking paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. The sponge is done when it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Preparing the Cream

1. Whipping the ingredients: In a bowl, combine mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Using a mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy, creamy, and glossy – about 3-5 minutes.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cooling the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally.

2. Soaking: Prepare a simple syrup from water and sugar (optional), or you can use fruit juice. Lightly soak each half of the sponge to add moisture and flavor.

3. Filling: Spread a generous portion of cream on the first half of the sponge. Place the other half on top and cover the entire surface of the cake with the remaining cream.

4. Finishing: Whip the heavy cream until it becomes whipped cream and use it to frost the cake. Decorate with fresh fruits on top, creating a colorful and appetizing arrangement.

Serving and Recommendations

This cake is delicious served immediately, but you can leave it in the fridge for a few hours, and the flavors will intensify. It is recommended to be consumed within 2-3 days, keeping it covered in the refrigerator.

Variations: You can experiment with different types of fruits or even a chocolate sauce for a more decadent taste. Also, for an extra crunch, add toasted nuts or almonds to the mascarpone cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I replace mascarpone with something else? Yes, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or a mix of cottage cheese and cream, but the taste will be different.

- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge and cream. Fresh fruits will add a note of natural sweetness.

- Can this cake be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze the assembled cake, but the sponge can be frozen separately without any problem.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake can be an excellent source of energy due to its egg and sugar content, but be mindful of portions! The flour provides carbohydrates, while the fruits bring vitamins and fiber. Mascarpone adds healthy fats, but it is best consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

The Luca Cake is a quick and simple dessert recipe, but with a remarkable visual and taste impact. Each slice is an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, grab the ingredients and let yourself be inspired by this wonderful recipe! Bon appétit!