Mascarpone Cream

Bohemian Cake with Mascarpone: A Sweet Delicacy for Your Flower Names

Flowers are blooming, and spring is making its presence felt, so there’s no better time to celebrate than with a special dessert. Today, I propose an enticing recipe for Bohemian cake, enriched with mascarpone, a delicious choice to honor those who bear flower names. This cake is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for festive occasions as well as personal indulgence.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 6 eggs
- 200 g sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 50 ml oil
- 50 ml water
- 200 g flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- ½ packet baking powder (with saffron for a subtle taste)

For the Cream:
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sugar (powdered)
- 50 g cocoa
- 125 g margarine (preferably Rama)
- 250 g mascarpone (an excellent choice for a creamy texture)

For the Syrup:
- 500 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 1 vial rum essence
- 1 tablespoon cognac

For the Glaze:
- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 200 ml cream for whipping

For Decoration:
- Whipped cream (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.
- In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until frothy and doubled in volume. Add the oil and water, continuing to mix.
- In another container, combine the flour with the cocoa and baking powder, then gently incorporate the flour mixture into the yolk mixture.
- Finally, fold in the beaten egg whites carefully to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Line a 25x35 cm baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the base mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

2. Preparing the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the water with the sugar and bring to a boil. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and add the rum essence and cognac. Let it cool.

3. Preparing the Cream:
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, eggs, and cocoa, then place the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Separately, beat the margarine until creamy. When the egg mixture has cooled slightly, gradually add it to the margarine, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
- Finally, fold in the mascarpone, mixing until well combined. Refrigerate for about an hour.

4. Preparing the Glaze:
- Over a double boiler, melt the chocolate together with the cream for whipping, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it boil, or the chocolate will burn.

5. Assembling the Cake:
- Once the base has cooled, cut it in half. Pour the cooled syrup evenly over both halves of the base to soak them with flavor.
- Spread the cream over the first half of the base, then cover with the second half. Cut the cake into appropriate portions.
- Glaze each piece with the melted chocolate, allowing it to cool to set. You can decorate with whipped cream for an elegant and delicious appearance.

Details and Useful Tips

- About Ingredients: Using fine sugar helps achieve a finer texture in both the base and cream. Mascarpone adds a creamy and refined note, perfect for a special dessert.
- Cooking Techniques: Ensure that the egg whites are beaten well, as they will give the cake a fluffy texture. Also, when working with the cream, slow mixing helps maintain the air that makes the cream lighter.
- Possible Variations: You can add ground nuts or hazelnuts to the base for a crunchy texture. Additionally, you can experiment with other syrup flavors, such as vanilla or almond essence.
- Storing the Cake: It is recommended to let the cake rest overnight before portioning. This will allow the flavors to meld better and make each piece even more delicious.

Delicious Combinations

This Bohemian cake with mascarpone can be served alongside a fragrant coffee or a comforting herbal tea. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a fruit liqueur would make a perfect complement to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace mascarpone with something else?
Yes, you can use a fine cottage cheese or a mixture of whipped cream and cottage cheese, although the texture and taste will be different.

2. How long can this cake be stored?
The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to consume it within 2 days to enjoy the best texture.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, but be careful not to affect the consistency, especially of the cream.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this Bohemian cake with mascarpone promises to be a hit. Happy name day to all those who bear flower names! Enjoy every bite of this delicacy filled with love and flavor.