Quick Cake

Quick Cocoa Cream Cake – A Sweet Surprise for Your Loved One's Name Day

On a special day, like a name day celebration, a delicious cake is essential for bringing smiles and joy. Today, I will share with you the recipe for a quick cocoa cream cake, perfect for celebrating important moments in our lives, just as I did for my little Alexandra. This cake is easy to make, flavorful, and despite its smaller size, it delivers a burst of taste that will surprise everyone. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 2 eggs
- 50 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 60 g flour
- ½ teaspoon ammonia
- ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 1 package (250 g) butter, at room temperature
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa
- Rum essence, to taste

For the syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 50 g sugar
- 5 tablespoons rum or brandy, to preference

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cake

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 175°C. This ensures even baking of the cake.

2. Separate the eggs: In a bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Whisk the yolks: In another bowl, add the yolks, 25 g sugar, and vanilla sugar. Whisk them well until creamy and pale.

4. Whisk the egg whites: In a separate container, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the remaining sugar (25 g) and continue mixing until firm peaks form.

5. Incorporate the ingredients: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites using a spatula, being careful to retain the air in the egg whites.

6. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour along with the ammonia and baking powder. Add the lemon zest and incorporate everything into the egg mixture. Mix gently until smooth.

7. Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan, then carefully remove it.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Whisk the butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter at room temperature with the powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.

2. Add the cocoa: Gradually incorporate the cocoa, mixing slowly, then beat again at high speed to achieve a smooth texture.

3. Flavoring: Add the rum essence, adjusting the amount to your taste for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup

1. Boil the syrup: In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Add the alcohol: Once the syrup has boiled, remove it from heat and add the rum or brandy. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Soak the cake: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into two equal halves. Use the cooled syrup to soak each half well, adding moisture and flavor.

2. Add the cream: Spread 2/3 of the cocoa cream on one half of the cake, then place the other half on top. Cover the cake with the remaining cream, smoothing it out nicely.

3. Decoration: Let your imagination run wild to decorate the cake. You can use grated chocolate, fresh fruits, or crushed nuts for an attractive appearance.

Helpful tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Use high-quality butter and cocoa for a delicious cream. The flavor will shine through in every slice.

- Vary the flavors: Instead of rum, you can use vanilla or almond essence to change the flavor profile of the cake.

- Serving: The cake can be served plain, alongside a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk, for a delightful experience.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is ammonia used in the recipe?
Ammonia helps achieve a fluffier cake, contributing to its rise during baking.

2. Can I replace the rum in the recipe?
Yes, you can use natural juices or vanilla essence to keep the recipe alcohol-free.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors intensify as it sits.

Nutritional values

This quick cocoa cream cake is a delightful choice for a special occasion, with approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It also provides a source of energy from sugars and healthy fats from butter, making it a treat to be enjoyed in moderation.

In conclusion, this quick cocoa cream cake is not just a simple recipe, but a symbol of joy and moments spent with loved ones. Regardless of the occasion, whether it's an anniversary or just a family evening, this dessert will bring smiles and turn any moment into a celebration. So put on your apron and let your culinary creativity flow! Happy name day, Alexandra!