Royal Cake

Royal Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a cake that will surely become the star of any festive meal: the Royal Cake. This cake is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors that will delight not only the taste buds but also the eyes. Let’s embark together on this culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 7 eggs (separate the egg whites from the yolks, using 5 yolks)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 250 g margarine or butter (for a rich taste, we recommend butter)
- 10 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the cream cheese:
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 3 tablespoons of whipped cream from the 200 ml liquid cream whipped well (the rest for decoration)
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 3 squares of milk chocolate, grated

For the vanilla cream:
- The 2 remaining yolks
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 small cup of milk (approx. 150 ml)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon Bourbon vanilla sugar (or vanilla seeds if you have)
- 50 g butter
- A little grated lemon zest

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream

Preparing the Base

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential for achieving an even and well-baked base.

2. Separating the eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no trace of yolk gets into the egg whites, as this will prevent the formation of a firm foam.

3. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a mixer on medium speed until you achieve a fluffy foam, but not stiff. This will help create an airy texture for the base.

4. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, mix the margarine (or butter) with the sugar until it becomes a smooth cream. Add the 5 yolks and milk, mixing well. Now, carefully fold in the egg white foam, mixing from the bottom up to avoid deflating the mixture.

5. Adding dry ingredients: Add the baking powder and divide the mixture into two bowls. In one, incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa and 2 of flour, while in the other, 4 tablespoons of flour.

6. Transferring to the pan: Place the cocoa mixture in a round pan lined with parchment paper. Then pour the white mixture on top. Use a spatula to create a nice pattern if you wish.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Check if it is done by doing the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting it in half. This is an important step as the cake must be completely cool to apply the cream.

Cream Cheese

1. Whipping the cream: Use the mixer to whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. This will add volume and a light texture to the cream.

2. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with 3 tablespoons of whipped cream. Add the instant coffee and grated chocolate, mixing gently until well combined.

3. Assembling: Place the cream cheese over the first half of the base, then put the other half on top. Cover the cake with a thin layer of vanilla cream.

Vanilla Cream

1. Preparing the cream: In another bowl, mix the 2 yolks with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add the milk and flour, mixing well with a whisk. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over low heat.

2. Thickening: Stir constantly to avoid lumps. When the cream begins to thicken, stir vigorously for a minute and then remove from heat.

3. Finishing: Add the vanilla sugar, butter, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until the butter completely melts.

Decorating the Cake

1. Decorating: Use the remaining whipped cream to decorate the cake, creating flowers and various designs. If you wish to add a splash of color, use food coloring to transform the cream into an attractive design.

2. Serving: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve it with a fruit sauce or a scoop of ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation to achieve a smooth mixture.
- Use high-quality butter to enhance the flavor of the base.
- You can replace mascarpone cheese with well-drained cottage cheese, but the taste will be different.
- If you want to add a fruity note, try placing a few slices of banana or strawberries between the two layers of cake.

Nutritional Benefits

The Royal Cake contains ingredients that, despite being a dessert, can offer nutritional benefits. Mascarpone cheese is a source of calcium, and eggs are rich in protein. Cocoa is known for its antioxidant properties and can help improve mood. However, moderation is essential, as the cake is also a calorie-rich dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be different, so make sure to adjust the amount of liquids.

- How can I store the cake? I recommend keeping it covered in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

- What drinks pair well with the Royal Cake? A sweet wine or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the cake's flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this Royal Cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!