Mascarpone and Berry Cake - Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Mascarpone and Berry Cake – A Sweet Celebration for My Mom!

Anniversaries are special moments in our lives, and today we celebrate with an extraordinary cake, full of flavors and textures that bring a smile to the faces of our loved ones. This mascarpone and berry cake is a perfect choice for celebrating a special day, and not just that. It’s a quick, easy-to-make, and incredibly delicious dessert. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the roll:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- Cherry jam

For the cake base:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla essence
- Lemon essence
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

For the mascarpone and chocolate cream:
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 150 g white chocolate
- 4 tablespoons concentrated lemon syrup
- 250 g liquid cream
- 15 g gelatin granules

For the berry cream:
- 300 g mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 200 g plain yogurt
- 200 g sweetened condensed milk
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 15 g gelatin granules

For the syrup:
- 150 ml water
- Juice of one lemon
- 3 tablespoons sugar

Decoration:
- Whipped cream and berries

Recipe Story

The mascarpone and berry cake is a delicious combination of textures and flavors, blending the creaminess of mascarpone with the freshness of berries. This dessert is said to have originated from the desire to create a light cake suitable for any occasion, especially anniversaries. The flavor of the berries and the fluffy cake base are perfect for celebrating important moments, and your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Roll

1. Separate the eggs: Start by separating the eggs into two large bowls. Make sure no shells or fat remain in the egg whites, as they need to be whipped to a frothy consistency.

2. Mixing the yolks: Add the two tablespoons of oil to the yolks and mix well, like making mayonnaise. This step will help achieve a moist and fluffy cake base.

3. Beating the egg whites: In the bowl with the egg whites, add a pinch of salt and beat until they form stiff peaks. When the egg whites are almost ready, gradually add the four tablespoons of sugar and the two tablespoons of hot water.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolk mixture to the egg whites and gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing air.

5. Adding flavors and flour: Add the vanilla and orange essences, then gently fold in the flour mixed with the baking powder. Mix slowly, being careful not to break the air bubbles.

6. Baking the roll: Pour the mixture into a large baking tray (42x29 cm) lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.

7. Rolling the cake: Remove the tray from the oven, carefully peel the cake off the parchment paper, and flip it onto another sheet of parchment dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake while it’s still warm, along with the parchment, and cover it with a towel. Let it cool.

8. Spreading the jam: Unroll the cake and spread it with the cherry jam, which you have warmed slightly to make it easier to spread. Roll it up again and refrigerate.

Step 2: Preparing the Cake Base

1. Repeating the steps: Follow the same procedure as for the roll, but at the end, add the poppy seeds. Bake in a round springform pan.

Step 3: Mascarpone and Chocolate Cream

1. Hydrating the gelatin: Start by hydrating the gelatin in a little cold water.

2. Preparing the cream: Mix the egg yolks with the sugar and add the lemon syrup. Place the bowl over a double boiler and stir until the cream thickens.

3. Incorporating the chocolate: Remove the bowl from heat and add the finely chopped chocolate, stirring vigorously until melted.

4. Adding the gelatin: Heat the gelatin in the microwave just until it becomes liquid, and incorporate it into the warm cream.

5. Whipping the cream: Whip the liquid cream (you can use unsweetened cream to control the sweetness) and fold it into the mascarpone cream.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Layering the cake: Place the cake base on a serving platter, and soak it with the syrup made from boiling water, lemon juice, and sugar.

2. Adding the roll: Arrange the slices of the roll with jam around the edge of the springform pan.

3. Filling with cream: Pour the mascarpone cream into the pan and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight.

4. Preparing the berry cream: Blend the thawed berries in a blender, strain through a sieve to remove the seeds, then add the hydrated gelatin. Mix the yogurt with the condensed milk and add the berry puree. Gently fold in the whipped cream.

5. Finalizing the cake: Spread the berry cream over the mascarpone cream and refrigerate again.

Step 5: Decorating the Cake

1. Decoration: Remove the cake from the mold and decorate it with whipped cream and fresh berries. You can use blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful and appetizing look.

Tips and Tricks:

- Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin doesn’t boil; otherwise, it will lose its gelling properties. Heat it gently in the microwave.

- Jam: You can experiment with various types of jam to add another layer of flavor to the cake.

- Fruits: Use fresh or frozen berries, but ensure they are of high quality for better taste.

- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine or refreshing lemonade to balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Mascarpone cream provides healthy fats, while berries are full of antioxidants and essential vitamins. Additionally, poppy seeds are a good source of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I substitute mascarpone with something else?
- Yes, you can use cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but the taste will be different.

2. How do I store the cake?
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. Can I use other fruits?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with strawberries, kiwis, or peaches, depending on your preferences.

Personal Note

Every bite of this cake reminds me of the beautiful moments spent with my mom, and cooking for her is a way to show my love. I hope you also find joy in making this cake, turning it into a family tradition that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Cook with love, enjoy every step, and savor the result! Happy birthday, Mom!