Old-fashioned cream puff

Old-style Cremsnit – A cake with soul

The Cremsnit cake, known by various names such as "fake cream", "ready cream cake", "smart cake", or "abracadabra", is a dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also a true culinary spectacle, looking as if we've worked for hours on it, yet requiring no considerable effort. Perfect for any occasion, the old-style Cremsnit proves to be the ideal choice to impress guests and pamper the family.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 - 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 8 eggs
- 1 liter of milk
- 300 g sugar
- 1 pack of margarine (250 g)
- 300 g flour
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla essence

Step by step to a perfect Cremsnit:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help with better homogenization of the mixture. Cut the margarine into cubes to melt faster.

2. Melting the margarine: In a pot, add the margarine cubes, 3 tablespoons of milk, and sugar. Put the pot on low heat, stirring constantly until the margarine is completely melted and the sugar dissolves. It is important not to let the mixture boil, just to combine well. Let the mixture cool completely to avoid coagulating the eggs when added.

3. Separating the eggs: While the mixture cools, carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Make sure no drop of yolk gets into the whites, as this would make it harder to whip later.

4. Beating the egg whites: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until you get a firm foam. This step is essential to give the cake a fluffy texture, so don't skip it!

5. Combining the ingredients: In the cooled margarine mixture, add the yolks one at a time, mixing constantly. Then, gradually incorporate the flour, alternating with the milk. It is normal for the mixture to be more liquid at this stage; don't worry, it will firm up in the oven. Finally, add the vanilla essence and vanilla sugar.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Now, using a spatula, add the beaten egg whites to the margarine and yolk mixture, mixing with a folding motion to preserve the air in the whites.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a baking tray of about 24x38 cm with oil and dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 45 - 55 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cooling: After baking, let the cake cool completely in the tray. Then, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, to allow the cream to set well.

10. Serving: When serving, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. The Cremsnit can be cut into squares or triangles, and if you want to add a personal touch, serve it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips and variations:

- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the cream mixture for a fresher taste.
- Creative serving: A delicious idea is to use a composition of fresh berries or a caramel sauce to add a contrast of textures and flavors.
- Creamy cake: If you like a more intense vanilla flavor, you can add half a vanilla pod to the milk used for the margarine cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake provides a good source of protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk, being a relatively easy option for a dessert. However, considering the sugar and margarine content, it is best to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

- Why does the cream curdle? Make sure the margarine is completely cooled before adding the eggs. If it is too hot, the eggs may coagulate.
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can use butter, but it will slightly change the taste and texture of the cake.
- How can I tell when it's done? Check the cake by inserting a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

The old-style Cremsnit is more than just a simple cake; it is an experience that brings back memories of simpler times and the joy of sharing sweet moments with loved ones. So embrace this recipe and let your culinary talent shine!