Mascarpone cream cake

The mascarpone cream cake is a dessert that, with its rich taste and fine texture, brings joy on any occasion. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a pleasure to prepare. Ideal for coffee lovers and delicate creams, this cake with layers of fluffy sponge and mascarpone cream will quickly become a family and friends favorite. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 4 large eggs (ideally at room temperature for a fluffy sponge)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour, type 000, for a fine texture)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (you can use white or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)

For the cream:
- 300 g mascarpone cheese (make sure it is of high quality)
- 300 ml heavy cream (for whipping, with a minimum fat content of 30%)

For the syrup:
- 250 ml freshly brewed coffee (you can use espresso for a more intense flavor)
- Rum essence (2-3 drops, depending on your preference)

For decoration:
- Cocoa powder (of good quality, for an elegant appearance and a bitter taste that balances the sweetness)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is free of grease, so make sure it is perfectly clean.

2. Beating the egg whites: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they become firm and reach the desired consistency (stiff peaks). Add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until it dissolves completely.

3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently folding with a spatula or mixing at low speed. This will add richness to the sponge.

4. Adding the flour: Sift the flour gradually, gently folding with the spatula to avoid deflating the mixture. It is important not to overmix to maintain fluffiness.

5. Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the cream until it becomes whipped cream. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will turn into butter.

2. Incorporating the mascarpone: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese until creamy, then add the whipped cream, gently folding with a spatula. This will ensure a smooth and airy cream.

3. Chilling the cream: Place the prepared cream in the refrigerator to firm up slightly before assembly.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup

1. Flavoring the coffee: Brew the coffee, then add the rum essence. You can adjust the amount of rum to your liking. Let the coffee cool.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts.

2. Soaking the sponge: Place the first part of the sponge on a platter and soak it with half of the coffee syrup.

3. Spreading the cream: Spread some of the mascarpone cream over the sponge, reserving 3 tablespoons for decoration.

4. Placing the second sponge: Place the other half of the sponge on top and soak it with the remaining syrup.

5. Decorating: Use the reserved cream to cover the cake, then dust generously with cocoa.

Serving suggestions

This mascarpone cream cake is delicious served with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. You can also add some fresh berries for a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will create a pleasant temperature contrast.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add a little vanilla extract or even a teaspoon of ground praline to your cream. You can also swap the coffee for fruit tea for a caffeine-free version.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sugar and cream used. Mascarpone cheese provides healthy fats, and coffee can offer an energy boost and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
You can try ricotta or a vegan alternative, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I extend the shelf life of the cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

3. Is it necessary to soak the sponge?
Soaking the sponge adds moisture and flavor. If you prefer a less moist cake, you can skip this step.

Conclusion

The mascarpone cream cake is a versatile dessert that is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to a simple family meal. With every bite, you will feel the perfect combination of textures and flavors, and the preparation process will turn cooking into a joyful activity. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!