Nutella cake

Nutella and Cherry Cake - Delicious and Irresistible Recipe

Who doesn't love a decadent dessert that delights your taste buds? The Nutella cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a party, or simply a pampering evening at home. This cake features a fluffy sponge layer filled with rich Nutella cream, and for an extra touch of freshness, we will decorate it with canned cherries. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this quick and simple dessert, yet with exceptional flavor!

Preparation and Baking Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Sponge:
- 7 eggs (fresh, preferably from free-range hens)
- 250 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of rum (for a flavorful taste)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 200-250 g)
- 1 lemon (juice, to activate the baking powder)

For the Syrup:
- 100 g sugar
- 250 ml water
- 1 essence of rum (to enrich the flavor)

For the Cream:
- 1 jar (750 g) of Nutella (or your favorite chocolate spread)
- 1 package of butter (approximately 200 g, ideal for cakes)

For Decoration:
- 500 g liquid cream (Hulala or a similar variant)
- Canned cherries (for decoration)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Sponge
I recommend starting with the sponge preparation, as it requires cooling time. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, using an electric mixer, gradually adding 250 g of sugar. Continue beating until you achieve a glossy meringue that holds firm peaks. This is the secret to a fluffy sponge!

In another bowl, beat the yolks with 3 tablespoons of oil, add the rum essence and vanilla sugar. Mix well. Then, squeeze the juice from a lemon and add the baking powder, mixing quickly to activate the reaction. Begin to incorporate the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, the consistency of thick sour cream.

Carefully add the meringue to the yolk mixture using a spatula. Gently fold in with up-and-down motions to avoid losing air in the mixture. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and level the surface.

2. Baking the Sponge
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to keep the steam inside. After 30 minutes, do the toothpick test: insert it into the center of the sponge, and if it comes out clean, it's done! Remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

3. Preparing the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 100 g of sugar with 250 ml of water. The heat should be medium. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Once it starts to boil, add the rum essence. Let the syrup boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it cool.

4. Preparing the Cream
In a bowl, add Nutella and the cubed butter. Use a mixer to blend them until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. This mixture will become the delicious filling of the cake.

5. Assembling the Cake
When the sponge is completely cooled, cut it into 3 equal layers. Place the first layer on a platter and generously soak it with the rum syrup. Add a layer of Nutella cream, leveling it well, then place the next layer. Continue this process with the third layer. You can also apply a layer of cream on top of the cake for a more appealing look.

6. Decorating the Cake
In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm. Use this cream to decorate the cake as you wish. Add canned cherries on top for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Practical Tips
- Choosing Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh eggs, as they contribute to a better sponge texture. Also, choose a quality Nutella for a tastier cream.
- Vegan Option: You can substitute butter with margarine and eggs with a vegan alternative, such as banana puree or silken tofu.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each slice of Nutella cake contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of syrup and cream used. Although it is an indulgent dessert, Nutella contains nuts, which provide healthy fats. The cherries add a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, offering a sweet-sour taste that beautifully contrasts with the rich chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of chocolate? Absolutely! You can experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? I recommend keeping the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain its freshness.

Conclusion
Making this Nutella cake will not only bring you joy in the kitchen, but it will also be a true delight for your loved ones. Take the time to enjoy the cooking process and don't forget to play with the ingredients, adapting the recipe to your taste. Each slice is an explosion of flavor, and the combination of chocolate and cherries is simply irresistible. Savor every moment of preparing this delicious cake!