Refreshing spring cake

Cool Spring Cake

An ideal dessert for sunny spring days, the cool cake brings a touch of joy in every slice. This simple and delicious recipe combines fresh citrus flavors with chocolate, resulting in a light and creamy cake, perfect for any occasion. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients for the cake:

- 200 g butter (at room temperature for optimal creaminess)
- 200 g granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 4 eggs (preferably free-range for a richer taste)
- 200 g flour (you can opt for whole wheat flour for a healthier cake)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest (adds a fresh note)
- 1 vanilla extract (or vanilla paste for an extra flavor boost)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, you can replace it with cornstarch for a finer texture)

Ingredients for the creams:

Cream 1:
- 100 g mint chocolate (choose a quality one)
- 100 ml heavy cream

Cream 2:
- 100 g strawberry chocolate (try a cocoa variant for a more intense note)
- 100 ml heavy cream

For decoration and soaking:
- Berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream (for an elegant look)
- Nectarines (or other seasonal fruits)
- Cherry syrup (for a sweet-sour contrast)
- A bag of raspberries

Preparation method:

1. Start by preparing the cake base. In a large bowl, beat the butter with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color (about 5 minutes). It is essential that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth texture.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Even if the mixture curdles, don’t worry; follow the next steps to achieve a perfect cake.

3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and orange zest. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a cake pan with butter and line it with flour or baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. While the cake cools, prepare the creams. For the mint cream, melt the mint chocolate in a double boiler, then add the heavy cream and mix well until smooth. Repeat the process with the strawberry chocolate.

6. When the cake is completely cooled, cut it into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Spread a layer of mint cream between the layers, then cover the cake with the strawberry cream.

7. Decorate with fresh berries, slices of nectarines, and whipped cream for an attractive look. You can soak the cake with cherry syrup to add a touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions: Serve the cool spring cake alongside a glass of lemonade or iced tea. It is perfect for a garden party or a family gathering.

Possible variations: Instead of mint chocolate, you can experiment with white chocolate or other chocolate flavors, such as caramel or coffee. You can also add a splash of rum or fruit liqueur to the creams for a more sophisticated taste.

Enjoy this cool spring cake, a simple and delicious recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!