Piano Cake

Piano Cake: A Sweet Delight for Celebrating Birthdays

When it comes to anniversaries, a special cake can transform any party into a memorable moment. Today, I will share with you the delicious recipe for the Piano Cake, a dessert that was lovingly created for my niece on her birthday. This cake is not only tasty but also spectacular, shaped like a piano and decorated with the finest ingredients. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 90 minutes
Baking time: 120 minutes
Total time: 210 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 14 eggs
- 600 g honey
- 8 cups flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 packets baking powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 200 g oil
- a pinch of salt

For Cream 1:
- 1 l sour cream
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups roasted and chopped nuts
- 1 packet vanilla

For Cream 2:
- 500 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml milk
- 50 g butter

For syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- 50 g white chocolate
- powdered sugar

Steps for Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough:
- Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help achieve a light and fluffy texture for the cake.
- Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, beat the yolks with 1 cup of sugar until creamy and intensely yellow. Add 200 ml of oil, cocoa powder, honey, and one cup of flour with the baking powder. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and 1 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough.
- Combining the dough: Gradually add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture, gently folding to avoid losing air. Sifting the remaining flour and incorporating it into the mixture will ensure a light and fluffy cake.

2. Baking the Layers:
- Preparing the pans: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line four square pans of 30x30 cm with parchment paper.
- Baking: Divide the dough evenly among the four pans and bake each layer for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the layers to cool completely on a rack.

3. Preparing the Cream:
- Cream 1: In a bowl, beat the sour cream with 2 cups of sugar until thick. Add the vanilla and the chopped roasted nuts. This cream will add a rich flavor and a crunchy texture to the cake.
- Cream 2: For the decorating cream, melt the dark chocolate with the milk and butter over steam, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and shiny. This will be used to cover the cake and give it an elegant appearance.

4. Assembling the Cake:
- Mounting: Place the first layer on a platter, drizzle it with the syrup made from 200 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar (boil the water with the sugar until dissolved). Spread a generous layer of Cream 1. Continue alternating the layers with the cream, finishing with a layer on top.
- Decorating: Use Cream 2 to cover the cake. You can shape the cake like a piano using a knife to cut the corners, and for the piano keys, use white and dark chocolate, along with powdered sugar for a special effect.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh and quality ingredients for the best results. Artisan honey and good quality chocolate will enhance the flavor.
- Cooling the layers: It is recommended to cool the layers completely before filling them to prevent the cream from melting.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) or flavors (coffee liqueur in the syrup) to give a personal touch to the cake.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Piano Cake contains approximately 450 calories, providing a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from eggs and nuts. It is an excellent choice for special occasions, but should be consumed in moderation!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Piano Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant coffee to complete the sweet experience. This cake is also perfect for sharing with friends and family on special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the cake be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and cream a day ahead, assembling the cake a few hours before serving.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. Make sure to protect it from air to prevent it from drying out.

3. Can I replace the nuts?
Sure! You can use coconut flakes or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

I hope this Piano Cake recipe inspires you to create something truly special for your celebrations. Cooking is an art, and every recipe we prepare is a story waiting to be shared!