METRO CAKE

The perfect dessert for special moments in our lives, Metro Cake, also known as Cozonac la Metru, is a delicious and extravagant choice that combines the rich flavors of vanilla and cocoa with a fine and fluffy texture. This dessert is best enjoyed alongside a cup of warm cocoa or a fragrant tea, turning any ordinary moment into a celebration of flavors.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 5 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 dl oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 l warm water
- 250 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa

Ingredients for the cream:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons rum (for a refined taste, use quality rum)
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- ½ l milk
- 5 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preferences)

Ingredients for decoration:
- 1 packet of chocolate glaze (from Dr. Oetker or similar)

Step by step to achieve a perfect result:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by carefully separating the eggs. It is important that the yolks remain free of any whites to achieve a fine texture. Whisk the yolks with 250 g of sugar until they become a smooth and light cream. Gradually add the oil and 1 dl of warm water, continuing to mix well. Once the ingredients are well incorporated, beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the yolk mixture.

2. Adding the flour:
Sift 250 g of flour together with a packet of baking powder, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, stirring gently to avoid losing the air from the egg whites. Divide the mixture into two equal parts.

3. Preparing the two doughs:
In one half of the dough, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well. Prepare two loaf pans greased with oil and dusted with flour. Pour ½ of the yellow mixture into the first pan, and in the second pan, pour the cocoa mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Preparing the cream:
While the two loaves are baking, you can prepare the cream. Boil ½ l of milk with 5 tablespoons of sugar, adding the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool. In the meantime, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Once the pudding has cooled, gradually incorporate it into the butter cream, mixing well. Finally, add the rum and mix gently.

5. Assembling the cake:
After the two loaves have cooled, slice them into pieces about 1-2 cm thick. Arrange them alternately, spreading cream on each yellow slice followed by a cocoa slice until you run out of ingredients. This layering technique will give your cake a very attractive bicolor appearance.

6. Preparing the glaze:
Follow the instructions on the chocolate glaze package to prepare it. Cover the entire cake with this glaze and let it cool to set.

7. Serving:
Once the glaze has set, cut the cake into diagonal slices for an elegant presentation. You can decorate with mint or lemon leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- Care for the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- Variations: You can add ground nuts or candied fruits to the dough mixture for a personalized touch.
- Recommended drinks: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of red fruit tea or a fragrant coffee.

Nutritional information:
Although Metro Cake is a rich dessert, each slice can provide a source of energy and comfort. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and butter, it is a less processed option than many other desserts. Each slice has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion and added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can substitute eggs and butter with vegan alternatives to create a tailored version.

Metro Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a family story, a way we gather around the table and celebrate beautiful moments. Try this recipe and bring magic into your kitchen!