Red and white cake

Red and White Cake – A Delight That Enchants Hearts

A red and white cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary masterpiece that transforms any occasion into a special moment. This recipe is inspired by the desire to bring a smile to the face of a dear mother, and every step of this creation is filled with emotion and attention to detail. Even though time was limited, the result met expectations, being a pleasant and tasty surprise. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14 servings

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 16 tablespoons of flour
- 16 tablespoons of raw sugar
- Vanilla seeds (about 1-2 pods)
- 200 ml beetroot juice (or red food coloring)

For the cream:
- 500 g mascarpone
- 500 g white chocolate
- 100 g candied cranberries
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 150 g powdered sugar
- Vanilla seeds (about 1 pod)

For the syrup:
- 800 ml strawberry compote (or other preferred compote)

For the glaze:
- 200 g unsalted butter, softened
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 600 g white almond paste
- White and red fondant for decorations
- Vanilla cream rolls (about 40 pieces)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and beat them with a mixer until fluffy.
2. Gradually add the raw sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a stiff, shiny meringue.
3. Incorporate the yolks, beetroot juice, and vanilla seeds. Gently mix until homogeneous. If you want a more intense color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring.
4. Sift the flour directly into the mixture and gently fold with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to maintain the air in the meringue.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (medium heat) for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Once baked, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, being careful not to burn it. Allow it to cool slightly.
2. In the meantime, whip the liquid cream until stiff peaks form. Make sure the cream is well chilled for best results.
3. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the cooled white chocolate, add the powdered sugar and vanilla seeds. Mix well until homogeneous.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Add the candied cranberries and mix again. Cover the cream and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has cooled, cut it into 4 equal layers.
2. Take the first layer of the base and place it back in the baking pan. Soak it with strawberry compote.
3. Use a spoon to add some melted white chocolate over the base, then spread a layer of cream.
4. Repeat the process with the other layers, ensuring that the final layer is of base.
5. Reserve some melted white chocolate for the glaze.

Step 4: Glazing the cake
1. Mix the softened butter with the powdered sugar until you obtain a fluffy cream. Add the remaining melted white chocolate and mix until homogeneous.
2. Use this glaze to cover the cake, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the entire surface.
3. Refrigerate the cake to allow the glaze to set.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Cover the cake with white almond paste, smoothing the edges well.
2. Use the white and red fondant to create flowers and decorations, adding a touch of creativity.
3. You can border the cake with vanilla rolls, giving it an elegant and sophisticated look.

Serving and Suggestions
After the cake is ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting. This will allow the flavors to intensify. Serve it alongside a fruit tea or fresh lemonade, and for a moment of indulgence, you can pair it with a glass of champagne or a sweet wine.

Practical Tip
To maintain the freshness of the cake, make sure to store it in an airtight container. It is also a good idea to prepare it a day before the event so that the flavors blend perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake offers a combination of proteins from eggs and mascarpone, natural sugars from fruits, and antioxidants from cranberries, providing a natural sweetness and comforting taste. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace the beetroot juice?
Yes, you can use red food coloring or even cocoa for a more chocolatey flavor, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use white chocolate with less sugar.

3. Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! The red and white cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any other celebration.

So, get ready to enjoy a spectacular dessert that not only looks amazing but also delights the palate! The red and white cake is a fantastic choice to bring a touch of happiness to the lives of your loved ones. Enjoy!