Lyra Cake

Lyra Cake - A Celestial Experience in Every Bite

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

A Touch of History and Inspiration

The Lyra Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a journey through the universe, inspired by the fascinating stories of the cosmos. It is said that there are areas in the Universe with flavors reminiscent of raspberries, and this idea inspired me to create a cake that reflects the magic and mystery of the stars. With a soft sponge, a refreshing lemon cream, raspberry jam, chocolate glaze, and an elegant whipped cream decoration, Lyra becomes a true feast for the senses. Let’s discover together the steps to prepare it!

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder

*For the syrup:*
- 400 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar
- Half a vanilla pod

*For the lemon cream:*
- 250 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Grated zest from 1 lemon
- Seeds from half a vanilla pod
- 150 g butter

*For assembly:*
- Raspberry jam

*For the chocolate glaze:*
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 100 g dark chocolate

*For decoration:*
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Chocolate decorations (can be bought or homemade)

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will ensure an even baking of the sponge.

2. Prepare the Sponge:
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is shiny and firm.
- In another bowl, beat the yolks with the oil until frothy. Add the yolk mixture to the egg white foam, gently folding to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Sift the flour and baking powder, then gradually add them, folding with a spatula until you obtain a soft and fluffy homogeneous mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (25x25 cm) and sprinkle a little grated chocolate on top.

3. Bake the Sponge: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the sponge cool in the pan.

4. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, add water, sugar, and half a vanilla pod (split lengthwise). Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then let it cool.

5. Prepare the Lemon Cream:
- In a saucepan, combine milk, flour, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla seeds (along with the pod).
- Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until completely melted.

6. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the sponge has cooled, cut it in half.
- Soak the bottom layer with the vanilla syrup, then spread a thin layer of raspberry jam, followed by the lemon cream. Cover with the other half of the sponge.

7. Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat a little milk, then add the broken chocolate pieces. Stir until smooth.

8. Decorate:
- Whip the liquid cream with a mixer until thick and creamy.
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the assembled cake, then decorate with whipped cream and chocolate ornaments.

9. Cooling: Although it is tempting to serve it immediately, I recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will allow the creams and glaze to set and the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

The Lyra Cake is perfect for serving at a party or as an elegant dessert at a dinner. You can accompany it with a glass of champagne or a fruit tea for a pleasant contrast. It also pairs very well with vanilla ice cream, which will add a refreshing note.

Tips and Tricks

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the fluffiest sponge possible.
- You can add a touch of originality to the lemon cream by adding a few drops of almond essence, which will provide a subtle yet delicious flavor.
- If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the wheat flour with almond flour or rice flour, but the texture will be different.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Lyra cake contains approximately 250 calories, with carbohydrate content from sugar and flour, as well as healthy fats from butter and chocolate. It is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation, also providing vitamins from lemon and raspberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the jam?
Yes, you can replace raspberry jam with cherry or peach jam for a different flavor.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup and the lemon cream. You can also use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to take it out of the freezer a few hours before serving to allow it to thaw gradually.

The Lyra Cake is a perfect choice for dessert lovers looking for not just a delicious taste, but also a story. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away into the universe of flavors! Bon appétit!