Paris in Flames Cake

Flaming Paris Cake: A Holiday Delight

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to savor a slice of cake that combines the warmth of a crispy meringue with a fine and fragrant cream, you've come to the right place. Today, I will share with you the recipe for a Flaming Paris Cake, a dessert that not only looks spectacular but also delights the taste buds every time. This recipe was inspired by pastry traditions, but I made a few personal modifications to give it a unique twist. Get ready to impress your guests or indulge yourself on your special day!

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

Ingredients

For the cake layers:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa

For the nut meringue:
- 7 egg whites
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 200 g roasted and ground nuts

For the cream:
- 7 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 6 tablespoons white flour
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 bananas (mashed)

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the glaze:
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 200 g white chocolate

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cake Layers
Start by preparing the cake layers. In a large bowl, beat 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. This step is crucial, as well-beaten egg whites will provide a light and airy texture. Once the egg whites are frothy, add 3 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of cocoa.

Tip: Use high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor. Gently fold everything together to keep the air in the meringue.

Spread the mixture in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes. After baking, let the layer cool.

Repeat the process to make the second layer with the remaining ingredients.

2. Nut Meringue
For the meringue, beat the 7 egg whites with a pinch of salt, gradually adding 12 tablespoons of sugar until you get a firm meringue. Fold in 1 tablespoon of flour and the ground nuts.

Pour the mixture into the same tray, ensuring it is even. Bake until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

Trick: Check if the meringue is ready by gently pressing it; it shouldn't stick to your fingers.

3. Cream
In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar. Separately, combine 100 ml of milk with the flour and bring the rest of the milk to a boil. Once the milk starts boiling, add the milk and flour mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Pour this mixture over the egg mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Let it cool.

When the cream has cooled, beat the soft butter until fluffy, then gradually add the egg cream, continuing to mix. Finally, fold in the mashed bananas.

4. Syrup
For the syrup, mix the water with the sugar and simmer for 15 minutes. Once the syrup has thickened, add the rum essence and let it cool.

5. Glaze
For the glaze, melt the white chocolate with 200 ml of whipped cream. Once cooled, whip the remaining cream and add the melted chocolate, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

Assembling the Cake
On a serving platter, place the first cocoa layer. Soak it with the prepared syrup, add half of the cream, then the nut meringue, and again syrup. Finish with the other half of the cream.

Place the second cake layer, soak it, and decorate with glaze as desired. You can also use grated chocolate or fresh fruits for a more appealing look.

Serving Suggestions
Serve it with a glass of sweet wine or aromatic coffee. This combination will highlight the flavors of the cake and turn the dessert into a true culinary experience.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of this Flaming Paris Cake has about 350-400 calories, depending on size. This cake contains a considerable amount of protein from eggs and nuts, as well as healthy fats from butter and nuts. Bananas add a note of natural sweetness and are rich in potassium.

Variations and Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace bananas with other fruits? Yes, you can use peaches or strawberries, but you may want to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup.
- Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free? Yes, use almond flour instead of wheat flour.

This Flaming Paris Cake is not just a dessert, but also a holiday story that we share with our loved ones. So, don't hesitate to try it and adapt it to your tastes. I invite you to enjoy a virtual slice and celebrate the special moments in your life!