New Year's Eve Cake

New Year's Clock Cake - A Festive Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a touch of magic to every table, and the New Year's Clock Cake is certainly an inspired choice! This dessert is not only a true culinary masterpiece but also a unique way to celebrate the transition into the new year. With delicate chocolate and vanilla creams, a fluffy sponge, and festive decorations, this cake will surely become the star of your New Year's Eve table.

The Story of the New Year's Clock Cake

The origins of the New Year's cake can be found in the traditions of celebrating the beginning of a new year, a time when people gathered family and friends to share joy and hope. Cakes have always been a symbol of prosperity and happiness, and this New Year's Clock Cake, with its elegant design, pays homage to these traditions. With a look that mimics a clock, this dessert is a perfect choice to mark the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g butter (soft)
- 350 g flour
- 100 g cocoa
- 1 chocolate with truffles, melted in a double boiler

For the vanilla cream:
- 1 packet of Dr.Otker vanilla cream (prepared with 500 ml of cold milk)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whipped cream
- 1 vanilla essence
- Chopped walnut meat

For the chocolate cream:
- 1 packet of Dr.Otker chocolate cream with truffles and rum (prepared with 500 ml of cold milk)
- 1 tablespoon whipped cream
- 1 vial of rum essence

For decoration:
- Cocoa powder
- White sugar stars (available in stores)
- A small box of whipped cream (e.g. Hulala)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the creams

1. Start by preparing the creams for the cake. In a bowl, mix Dr.Otker vanilla cream with 500 ml of cold milk according to the package instructions. Once the cream thickens, add the chopped walnut meat, 2 tablespoons of whipped cream, and powdered sugar. Mix well and refrigerate the cream.

2. In another bowl, prepare the chocolate cream with truffles and rum by mixing the packet contents with 500 ml of cold milk. Add 1 tablespoon of whipped cream and the rum essence, mixing until you obtain a smooth cream. Refrigerate this as well.

Step 2: Preparing the sponge

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until you get a creamy mixture. Add the soft butter and cocoa and mix well.

2. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate them.

3. Pour in the melted chocolate (slightly cooled) and gently mix. Finally, add the flour gradually, mixing carefully again.

4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a cake pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface.

5. Bake the sponge for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the sponge cool slightly in the oven with the door ajar, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal halves. Soak each half with a simple syrup (water and sugar) to add moisture.

2. Using a piping bag, decorate the bottom layer with concentric circles of vanilla and chocolate cream. Alternate the colors for an attractive look.

3. Place the other half of the sponge on top. Cover the cake with the chocolate cream with truffles, leveling it with a spatula for a smooth surface.

Step 4: Decorating the cake

1. Dust cocoa powder over the top of the cake using a sieve for an even effect.

2. Place white sugar stars around the edge of the cake for a festive look.

3. Using a piping bag, write "12" and draw two clock hands, symbolizing midnight, on the cake. Use whipped cream for a lighter and more elegant effect.

Helpful tips

- To achieve a fluffier sponge, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can experiment with different essences (orange or almond) in the creams to add a personal touch.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavors will intensify as it rests in the fridge.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Each serving of the New Year's Clock Cake contains approximately 400-450 calories, with a considerable amount of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, as well as a source of fats from butter and chocolate. Consumed in moderation, this cake can be a pleasant part of a balanced diet, providing nutrients from nuts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the creams and the sponge. Additionally, you can opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, which is less sweet.

3. What other drinks pair well with this cake?
A sparkling wine or a fresh fruit cocktail are excellent choices to accompany this festive cake.

This New Year's Clock Cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. So put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Happy New Year and enjoy your meal!