Number one cake

Number One Cake – A Celebratory Delight for Little Ones

The "Number One" cake is more than just a simple dessert; it’s a sweet memory, a symbol of your child's early years, filled with love and joy. This little cake was created for my child's first birthday and represents the happiness and excitement of a special moment. Whether you’re celebrating a year of life or just want to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, this cake is the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:
- 8 fresh eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- A drop of lemon juice

For the filling:
- 250 ml of store-bought vanilla cream
- 250 ml of boiled and cooled milk
- 4 tablespoons of sugar

For the syrup:
- A vial of rum essence
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 200 ml of warm water

For decoration:
- 250 ml of liquid cream
- Slices of mandarins
- Grapes
- Decorative candies

Preparing the cake layers:

1. Prepare the pans: Before you start, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Take two loaf pans, grease them with butter or oil, and dust them with flour. This step will ensure that the layers do not stick and can be easily removed after baking.

2. Separating the eggs: Separate the 8 eggs into two large bowls. It’s important that no yolks remain in the egg whites, as this will prevent the whites from whipping properly.

3. Preparing the mixture: In the bowl with the yolks, add half of the baking powder packet and squeeze in a little lemon juice to activate the baking powder. Mix well until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Whipping the egg whites: Start beating the egg whites with a mixer on high speed. Once they become frothy, gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until the whites become firm and glossy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake layer.

5. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the 4 tablespoons of flour into the egg whites using a spatula, mixing from the bottom up to avoid deflating the mixture. Finally, add the yolk mixture and stir gently until well combined.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into each loaf pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the layers are golden and pass the toothpick test. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling the cake:

1. Preparing the syrup: In a bowl, combine the warm water with the sugar, rum essence, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Cutting the layers: Once the layers have cooled completely, take the first layer and cut it in half horizontally. Brush the bottom part with the prepared syrup, then spread some of the vanilla cream on top. Cover with the other half of the layer, which you will also syrup.

3. Creating the number one: From the second layer, cut a diagonal piece that fits the whole layer but is slightly thicker. Then, cut this piece in half as well, syrup it, and add cream between the two parts.

4. Assembling the cake: Attach the two layers (the one with the number and the one with the filling) to form the number one. Make sure the cake is stable.

5. Decorating: Whip the liquid cream until firm and cover the cake with it. Decorate with slices of mandarin, grapes, and decorative candies. This step not only adds an attractive appearance but also a burst of flavors.

Serving suggestions:

The number one cake is wonderful served alongside fruit tea or fresh orange juice. It can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Helpful tips:

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture.
- You can replace the store-bought vanilla cream with a homemade version for an even more authentic taste.
- To add a personal touch, include a few drops of almond or orange essence in the syrup.

Nutritional information:

Each serving of the number one cake contains approximately 250 calories. It’s important to note that due to its ingredients, this cake provides a good amount of protein from the eggs and dairy, while the fruits add essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour, but make sure to use a quality blend to achieve the desired result.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup and the creams. You can also add fresh fruits to balance the sweetness.

3. How long can the cake be stored? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Experiment with this recipe filled with love and joy, and turn every birthday into an unforgettable moment! The number one cake is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet story we share with our loved ones.