Martisor cake

Mărțișor Cake with Chocolate Cream - A Delicacy for Celebrations

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for Mărțișor Cake, perfect for celebrating spring and bringing joy to the hearts of your loved ones. This cake is not only a pleasure for the taste buds but also a true visual feast, featuring rich layers of chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a hint of flavors that will delight you. Let's get to work!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A handful of raisins (about 100 g)
- A few tablespoons of cognac
- Rum essence
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup of oil
- 1 packet of chocolate cream (from Dr. Oetker)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- A handful of nuts (about 100 g, chopped)
- A little orange zest (for flavor)

For the Cream:
- 1 packet of chocolate pudding
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g chocolate (preferably with high cocoa content)
- 2 tablespoons of butter

For the Whipped Cream:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of cream stabilizer

For Soaking:
- 1 cup of coffee (brewed and strained)
- A few squares of chocolate
- Rum essence
- Cognac (to taste)

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy foam.

2. Mixing the Yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, a pinch of salt, and the orange zest. These flavors will add a fresh and revitalizing taste.

3. Combining the Ingredients: Add the yolk mixture to the egg white foam. Gently fold with a spatula to maintain the aeration. Then incorporate the chocolate powder, sifted cocoa, flour in a rain, chopped nuts, baking powder quenched with vinegar, and the raisins soaked in rum and cognac.

4. Baking the Base: Pour the obtained mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the Cream

5. Pudding: Prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package, using 500 ml of milk. Once the pudding is ready, melt the chocolate in a bain-marie and mix it with the pudding. If the cream is too soft, you can add a tablespoon of flour to improve its consistency.

6. Adding the Butter: After the chocolate is fully integrated, add 2 tablespoons of butter and mix well until everything is homogeneous.

Assembling the Cake

7. Soaking the Base: Cut the cooled base in half. Soak each layer with the brewed coffee mixed with rum essence and cognac for an extra flavor boost.

8. Adding the Cream: Whip the liquid cream with the cream stabilizer until firm. Place the first layer of the base on a platter and apply a layer of cream, alternating with circles of whipped cream.

9. Finalizing the Cake: Place the second layer of the base on top, cover it with the remaining cream, and level it. Add a layer of whipped cream on top and decorate as desired. You can use chocolate pieces or even edible flowers for an elegant look.

Tips and Tricks

- Soaking the Raisins: Soaking the raisins in rum and cognac not only makes them softer but also adds a hint of flavor! Make sure to let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

- Choose Chocolate Wisely: Choose a high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content to achieve a richer and more intense cream.

- Vegan Option: You can try replacing the eggs with a mix of mashed banana and water or a plant-based egg substitute. Also, use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan version.

Delicious Combinations

The Mărțișor Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or extra whipped cream alongside the cake can turn the dessert into a true indulgence.

Nutritional Information

This cake is a delicacy, so it's important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving has approximately 350 calories but is rich in antioxidants due to the chocolate and contains healthy fats from the nuts. The raisins provide a good source of fiber and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but make sure to adjust the quantities to achieve a well-structured base.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base or opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

3. Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but make sure it is well-wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator to maintain its texture.

This Mărțișor Cake with Chocolate Cream is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to celebrate the arrival of spring. I wish you happy cooking and unforgettable moments with your loved ones!