Minute Cake

Minute Cake: a delicious and quick dessert

When we crave something sweet but don't have much time or want to deal with too many ingredients, the minute cake becomes the perfect solution. This recipe is not only simple but also offers a combination of textures and flavors that make it irresistible. Moreover, it's an excellent choice for moments when you want to impress friends or family with a quick and tasty dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The history of the minute cake lies in the heart of home cooking, where every ingredient is carefully chosen, and each step brings a touch of joy. This simple recipe has become popular due to its versatility, allowing us to adapt the ingredients based on preferences and what we have on hand.

Ingredients:

For the biscuit base:
- 300 g biscuits (preferably digestive)
- 125 g vegetable margarine, melted
- 2 tablespoons of nut cream (you can also use peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 essence of rum

For the chocolate cream:
- 1 packet of chocolate cream with rum
- 200 ml boiled and cooled milk

For the topping:
- ½ melon
- a few nectarines (or other preferred fruits)
- 2 packets of powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (for the melon puree)
- 2 tablespoons of apricot or peach jam

Preparation:

1. Preparing the biscuit base
Start by crushing the biscuits in a food processor until you get a fine powder. This step is essential, as a uniform texture will ensure a stable base. Add the melted margarine, nut cream, sugar, and rum essence. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous and moldable composition.

2. Forming the base
Transfer the mixture to a tray or a plastic box (if you don’t have a detachable circle tray). Use a spoon to level the base evenly. Make sure it is well pressed so that it doesn’t crumble when cut. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Preparing the cream
Once the base has set, prepare the chocolate cream according to the instructions on the packet, adding the boiled and cooled milk. Mix well until you get a smooth and creamy cream, then let it cool slightly.

4. Adding the jam
Remove the base from the fridge and spread the apricot (or peach) jam evenly over it. This will add a layer of fruity flavor that will perfectly complement the chocolate cream.

5. Adding the cream
Pour the chocolate cream over the jam layer and smooth it out with a spatula. Cover again with plastic wrap and let the cake refrigerate for an hour to set.

6. Preparing the melon puree
While the cake is cooling, prepare the melon puree. Cut the melon into cubes and place it in the food processor along with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until you get a fine paste.

7. Hydrating the gelatin
In a small bowl, hydrate the 2 packets of gelatin with a little water (about 50 ml). Let it sit for a few minutes, then place the gelatin in a bain-marie or on low heat to dissolve completely. Mix the melted gelatin into the cooled melon puree, ensuring it is not hot when added.

8. Finishing the cake
Remove the cake from the fridge and decorate with neatly arranged slices of nectarine on top. Carefully pour the melon puree over the chocolate cream. This will form a delicious and colorful layer. Let the cake refrigerate for another hour for the gelatin to set.

9. Serving
Once the cake has completely set, it’s time to serve! You can cut the cake into squares or triangles and place it on a platter. It’s a perfect dessert for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Add a personal touch by garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves for decoration.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the biscuits with a gluten-free option to make the cake accessible to everyone.
- If you don’t have gelatin, you can opt for another type of stabilizer, such as agar-agar.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
- Serve the cake with a glass of fresh orange juice or a fragrant coffee for a delicious combination.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake is a healthier option compared to other desserts, having a moderate calorie content, especially due to the use of wholemeal biscuits and fresh fruits. Each serving contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The fruits add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the nut cream provides healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the nut cream with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use peanut butter or almond cream, depending on your preferences.
- Is it possible to use other fruits?
Absolutely! The cake can be adapted with any of your favorite fruits: strawberries, peaches, or even raspberries.

The minute cake is a dessert that will win you over with both its simplicity and its flavors. Try this recipe and enjoy a quick sweet treat, perfect for any occasion!