Nutella cake

Nutella and Mascarpone Cream Cake - A Delicacy for Holidays

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction

There may be no more delicious combination than the creamy chocolate of Nutella and the fine texture of mascarpone, all wrapped in a fluffy and aromatic sponge. This Nutella and mascarpone cream cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, especially for Easter celebrations, when we want to bring a touch of sweetness to our tables. Inspired by the talented creations of Sara Mike, this recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering a dessert that will impress all your loved ones.

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 80 g butter (82%)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 150 g pastry flour
- 2 large country eggs
- 90 ml whole milk
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 400 g Nutella
- 400 g mascarpone
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

*For decoration:*
- Chocolate flakes
- Almond flakes
- Roasted hazelnuts (optional)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Sponge
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the milk, orange zest, and juice, stirring well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the pastry flour together with the baking powder and salt. This step is essential to ensure a fine texture for the sponge.

3. Beating the Eggs
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the powdered sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This is the key moment to achieve a fluffy sponge.

4. Combining the Ingredients
Add the liquid mixture (butter, milk, orange) to the egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula. Then, gradually incorporate the sifted flour, mixing carefully until homogeneous.

5. Baking the Sponge
Grease a cake pan with butter and line it with baking paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the sponge to cool completely in the pan, then carefully remove it.

6. Preparing the Cream
In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. In another bowl, whip the cream until firm. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Add the Nutella spoon by spoon, mixing gently to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.

7. Assembling the Cake
Once the sponge has completely cooled, place it on a serving plate. Spread the mascarpone cream with Nutella evenly on top. Make sure it is well covered. Decoration is up to you: sprinkle chocolate flakes, almond flakes, and hazelnuts for a crunchy and delicious appearance.

8. Chilling the Cake
This cake is a true delight for the taste buds, but patience is key. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to develop and meld together.

Practical Tips

- Quality ingredients are essential for a delicious cake. Choose high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and original Nutella for an authentic taste.
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator. Make sure it is covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Variations: You can add some fresh fruits between the layers of cream, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pleasant contrast of flavors.
- Serving: Serve the cake alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be a wonderful choice to complement the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not just a treat but also a source of energy due to the carbohydrate content from the flour and sugar. The mascarpone provides healthy fats, while the chocolate in Nutella brings a guaranteed dose of happiness. However, remember to enjoy each slice in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute mascarpone? Yes, you can use cream cheese or Greek yogurt, but the taste will be different.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free? Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.
- How long can the cake be stored? Ideally, you should consume the cake within 3-4 days, keeping it refrigerated.

Conclusion

Whether it's for a special celebration or simply to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, this Nutella and mascarpone cream cake is the perfect choice. With each slice, you will bring joy and flavor, turning any meal into a celebration. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends – it's a secret worth knowing for everyone!