Smart Cake

Smart cake, a classic delicacy, is a dessert that has brought smiles to the faces of many generations. This cake, with such a captivating name, is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a get-together with friends. Together, we will transform simple ingredients into the most delicious dessert!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:
- 9 eggs (preferably fresh, from free-range hens)
- 250 g sugar (suggestion: use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 200 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 liter milk (whole milk will provide a creamier texture)
- 9 tablespoons flour (type 000 flour is ideal for fluffy cakes)
- Flavors needed: rum, grated lemon peel, grated orange peel, vanilla essence (here you can experiment with your favorite flavors)

A unique detail: You can add some crushed nuts or almonds for a crunchy taste that will perfectly complement the fluffy texture of the cake.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use two large bowls to avoid any contamination. Make sure no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as this will prevent them from whipping well.

2. Beating the yolks: In one bowl, add the yolks and sugar. Use a mixer on low speed to beat them until they become a whitish paste. This is the stage where air is incorporated, which will help achieve a fluffy cake.

3. Adding butter and milk: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, add the melted and cooled butter. Gently mix. Then, gradually add the milk, continuing to mix on low speed. This is the moment when the flavors come into play! Add the lemon peel, orange peel, and rum essence.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form a foam. This step is crucial to ensure an airy texture for your cake.

5. Incorporating the flour and egg whites: Sprinkle the flour into the egg white mixture, gently folding from the bottom up to maintain the airiness. Once the flour is fully incorporated, carefully add the yolk mixture and mix gently until homogeneous.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper (or grease with butter) and pour in the obtained mixture. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions: This cake is excellent served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a berry sauce. You can decorate it with powdered sugar or whipped cream for an elegant look.

Possible variations: Instead of lemon and orange peel, you can use grapefruit peel or even cinnamon for a warmer flavor. You can also try adding melted chocolate to the mixture for a decadent taste.

Nutritional benefits: This cake contains protein from eggs, calcium from milk, and healthy fats from butter. It is a good choice for those who want a tasty dessert but with reasonable nutritional value.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of milk? Yes, you can use plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut), but I recommend choosing sweetened varieties to maintain the flavor balance.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but be careful, as sugar also contributes to the cake's texture.
- What do I do if I can't find butter? You can replace the butter with coconut oil or sunflower oil, but the taste will be slightly different.

This smart cake recipe is a perfect choice for anyone looking to prepare a quick and simple dessert, but with a big impact on flavor! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, every bite will bring joy. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!