Smart Cake

Smart Cake - A Delight for Your Taste

Who doesn’t love a fluffy and fragrant cake that brings a touch of joy every day? This 'smart' cake recipe is perfect for enjoying with coffee among friends, at a family gathering, or simply as a personal treat. With a light texture and sweet flavor, this cake will surely become a favorite in your home.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake, while being a dessert, offers some benefits through its ingredients. Milk provides calcium and protein, while eggs are an excellent source of essential nutrients, including vitamins D and B12. Of course, moderation is key, considering the sugar content.

Ingredients:
- 9 fresh eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 pack of butter (or margarine)
- 9 tablespoons of flour (approximately 135-140 g)
- 1 liter of sweet milk
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

A Bit of History:
The 'smart' cake has an interesting history, being a traditional recipe passed down through generations. It became popular due to its simplicity and unique flavor. It is often made during festive occasions or as a sweet treat on ordinary days.

Preparation Techniques:

1. Preparing the Base Mixture:
Start by placing a pot on low heat. Add the milk, butter, and sugar. Stir gently until the butter completely melts. This mixture will become the juicy base of your cake. Once the butter is melted, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Separating the Eggs:
While the mixture cools, separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites until they form a stiff foam. It is important to use a clean and dry mixing bowl to achieve perfect foam. On the other hand, mix the yolks with the vanilla sugar until they become a homogeneous and slightly creamy mixture.

3. Combining Ingredients:
When the milk mixture has cooled, gradually add it to the yolks, stirring gently with a whisk. This step is essential to ensure a uniform texture. Then, gradually fold in the beaten egg whites, stirring gently to avoid losing air from the foam.

4. Adding the Flour:
Now it’s time to add the flour, spoon by spoon, mixing gently. This will help create a fluffy and airy cake. It’s important not to overmix; a slight homogenization is all you need.

5. Baking the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 140-150 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray (28x18 cm) with a little butter or line it with baking paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and bake for about an hour. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent the cake from sinking. The toothpick test is essential – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

6. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to intensify. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into portions and dust with powdered sugar for an attractive look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:
The 'smart' cake can be served plain or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For an extra burst of flavor, add some slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries. It is also delicious alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making each bite a memorable experience.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a fresher taste. You can also replace some of the flour with cocoa to create a chocolate cake.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of sweet milk?
Yes, almond or soy milk can be an excellent alternative, just make sure to check the final taste.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 20% without affecting the texture.

3. What can I do with leftover cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

This 'smart' cake is not only easy to make but also a true delight for the taste buds. Regardless of the occasion, it will surely impress. So gather the ingredients and let’s enjoy the magic of cooking together!