Smart Cake

Smart Cake: The Dessert That Will Surprise You

Are you looking for a dessert that will impress your guests or bring a smile to a loved one's face? The smart cake, also known as the clever cake, is the perfect choice! This simple yet spectacular recipe combines a soft base, a delicate cream, and a fine crust, all made in one step. With a quick preparation time and an easy-to-follow technique, this dessert will win your heart. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 5 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g butter
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

The Story Behind the Recipe

The smart cake is a dessert with a rich history, being a popular choice in many cultures for its simplicity and the way it transforms in the oven. This recipe demonstrates that sometimes the simplest combinations of ingredients can create magic. It is a perfect example of how a dessert can be delicious and impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills. This is a recipe you can adapt by adding flavors or ingredients you love.

Step by Step to Make the Smart Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help to homogenize the mixture. Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks; any trace of yolk in the whites will prevent them from whipping properly.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a saucepan, put the butter and chocolate to melt over low heat. Stir gently to avoid burning the chocolate. Once fully melted, let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until they become a creamy and light-colored mixture. This is a crucial moment, as the air incorporated here will help the cake become fluffy.

Add the melted chocolate and butter, stirring gently to incorporate them. Start adding the flour gradually, mixing continuously to avoid lumps.

Next, incorporate the slightly warmed milk, adding it gradually. This will add extra moisture to your dessert. Add the vanilla sugar and mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. This step is essential for achieving that light and airy texture. Use a spatula to gently fold the egg whites into the mixture, being careful to mix from the bottom up, so you don’t deflate the air in the egg whites.

Step 5: Baking

Prepare a heat-resistant dish (about 24x24 cm) greased with butter and dusted with flour. You can also use baking paper, but be careful as it can be difficult to remove. Pour the mixture into the dish and place it in the preheated oven at 140-150°C. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the cake separates into layers and a slight crack appears on the surface.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

After baking, let the cake cool in the dish. Then, place it in the fridge for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the cake even more delicious.

Before serving, dust powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance. You can also add vanilla essence to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Practical Tip

If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding some chopped nuts or a splash of instant coffee to the chocolate mixture. These will enhance the chocolate flavor and add an interesting texture.

Delicious Combinations

The smart cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce. Additionally, a flavored coffee or herbal tea can perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of smart cake contains approximately 220 calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, but it’s important to consume it in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content. Dark chocolate, the main ingredient, has numerous health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and contributing to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white chocolate?
- Yes, but the cake will have a different taste. White chocolate will add a sweeter note, and the texture will be somewhat creamier.

2. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
- You can use vanilla essence instead of vanilla sugar. About a teaspoon should be sufficient.

3. How can I improve the texture?
- Make sure the egg whites are beaten well and gently fold them into the mixture to keep the air.

4. Are there variations for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can add different flavors, such as orange or mint, or experiment with different types of chocolate.

The smart cake is definitely a dessert worth trying. Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the result will delight you every time. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!