Mickey Mouse cake with lemon cream

Mickey Mouse Cake with Lemon Cream - a celebration of flavors and colors! This cake is not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for birthdays or any special occasion. Inspired by the iconic character Mickey Mouse, our cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Total: Approximately 3 hours
Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

For the ganache cream:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 200 g white chocolate, chopped

For the lemon cream:
- 7 eggs
- 750 ml milk
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 250 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g starch
- 20 g gelatin (hydrated in cold water)

For the jelly:
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of starch
- Raspberry sauce (optional)

Other ingredients:
- 2 cake layers (preferably vanilla)
- 2 wafers
- Fondant for decoration
- Dr. Oetker decorative pencils
- Cooking chocolate for decoration

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ganache cream
We start with the ganache cream, which will add a note of richness to our cake. In a small saucepan, bring 200 ml of liquid cream to a boil. Make sure not to leave it unattended, as it can easily burn. Once the cream starts to boil, pour it over the chopped white chocolate in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir well until you achieve a smooth and glossy composition. Allow the ganache to cool completely, then whip it with a mixer until it becomes a fine and airy foam.

Step 2: Preparing the lemon cream
In a saucepan, combine the milk and 250 ml of liquid cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture close to a boil. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become a frothy and light-colored mixture. Add the starch and lemon zest, mixing well.

When the milk is warm, start adding it gradually, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. After incorporating all the milk, place the mixture over a double boiler and cook, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens, similar to sour cream. It is important to be patient at this stage, as the cream thickens slowly, but the result will be worth the effort.

Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the double boiler and let it cool. Add the hydrated gelatin, dissolved in warm water, and mix well. Finally, incorporate the cooled ganache cream, stirring gently to avoid losing the air incorporated.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
In a cake ring, place the first cake layer. Soak it with a simple syrup made from water and sugar to add moisture. Add a generous layer of lemon cream, followed by a layer of jelly (which can be made from berries or any other flavor of your choice). Cover with a wafer, followed again by jelly, then add another layer of cream, continuing with another cake layer.

Repeat the process, alternating layers of cream, jelly, and wafer until the ingredients are used up. Make sure that the last layer is a wafer. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to blend and the cake to set.

Step 4: Decorating the cake
After the cake has cooled, remove the wrap and spread a thin layer of lemon cream to provide a smooth base for decoration. Cover it with fondant, shaping it into forms that mimic the character Mickey Mouse. Use cooking chocolate to create details, such as eyes and nose, and finish with Dr. Oetker decorative pencils for a pleasing visual effect.

Helpful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation, as this will help achieve a more homogeneous cream.
- If you want to add a note of originality, you can infuse the lemon cream with herbs like basil or mint for a surprising flavor.
- The cake can be served with raspberry sauce or a scoop of ice cream to create a pleasant contrast between warm and cold.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and cream, while the lemon juice provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for the immune system. Although it is a dessert, the ingredients can offer a healthier experience compared to other heavy cake options.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
- Of course! Dark chocolate will add a note of intensity and bitterness, providing a delicious contrast with the lemon cream.

2. What can I use instead of gelatin?
- You can use agar-agar, a vegetarian alternative, but make sure to follow the correct preparation instructions, as it behaves differently than gelatin.

3. Can I replace lemon juice with something else?
- Of course! You can experiment with juices from other citrus fruits, such as orange or lime, to achieve different flavors.

Personal stories
When I made this cake for the first time, I had great emotions. I was afraid the cream would curdle, but I learned that patience is key. Each layer brought to life, each decorative detail, made me remember that cooking is an art that requires love and dedication. The cake was a resounding success, and the smile on the birthday person's face showed me that every effort was worth it.

Now that you have all the information you need, it's time to get to work! This Mickey Mouse Cake with Lemon Cream is more than just a dessert; it's a way to create beautiful memories with your loved ones. Enjoy!