Smart Cake

Smart Cake – a quick and simple dessert, yet full of flavor and texture, perfect for moments when you want to impress without too much effort. This cake, with a perfect combination of milk, butter, and eggs, has won the hearts of many, becoming a favorite at family meals and parties. Its history is lost in the mists of time, but its beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients that transform into a true delicacy.

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

Ingredients:
- 9 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 package (approx. 200 g) butter
- 9 tablespoons flour
- 1 l milk
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients - Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have fresh, quality eggs on hand, as they will influence the texture of the cake. Use butter at room temperature for easier melting. Choose whole milk for a richer flavor.

2. Melting the butter - Take a medium-sized saucepan and add the milk, cubed butter, and sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir gently until the butter completely melts and the sugar dissolves. It is essential not to let the mixture boil, just to warm it. Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool. This is an important step because if you add warm ingredients to the eggs, they will cook.

3. Separating the eggs - While the mixture cools, separate the egg whites from the yolks. You can use a simple method, such as cracking the egg over a bowl and letting the white flow out while keeping the yolk in your hand. Make sure the bowls are clean, free of grease, as this will affect the egg whites' ability to whip.

4. Whipping the egg whites - Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the egg whites. They should become frothy and form stiff peaks. If you want to achieve perfect foam, ensure the bowl is completely clean and dry. You can add a pinch of salt to help stabilize the foam.

5. Mixing the yolks - In another bowl, mix the yolks with the vanilla sugar. Use a whisk to obtain a smooth, light-colored paste. It is important to mix well, as this will help incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

6. Combining the ingredients - Once the milk mixture has cooled sufficiently, gradually add it to the yolk mixture, continuously mixing with a whisk. Ensure the mixture is homogeneous. Then, add the whipped egg whites, a little at a time, gently folding from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

7. Adding the flour - Moving on to another important ingredient – the flour. Add the 9 tablespoons of flour, a little at a time, mixing gently to avoid lumps. It is essential to use high-quality flour; type 000 flour is ideal for this recipe.

8. Preparing the baking tray - Take a medium-sized baking tray and grease it with a little butter, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step will prevent the cake from sticking to the tray and make cutting easier.

9. Baking the cake - Pour the obtained mixture into the tray and place it in a preheated oven at 160°C (low heat). Bake the cake for about 1 hour, or until, when checked with a toothpick, it comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from falling.

10. Cooling and serving - Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tray. Then, you can cut it into squares or triangles, depending on your preference. For an elegant finish, you can dust it with powdered sugar. This adds not only a pleasant appearance but also a slight sweetness.

Serving suggestions and variations

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or caramel sauce. You can try serving it with warm chocolate sauce or even alongside a compote of fresh fruits, such as caramelized pears or berries.

For a more sophisticated version, you can add some ground nuts or chopped dark chocolate to the cake mixture. These will add a crunchy note and an intense flavor.

Nutritional information

This cake has approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a relatively light choice compared to other desserts. The protein-rich ingredients from the eggs contribute to balanced nutrition, while the butter and milk provide healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer.

- How can I make it less sweet? You can reduce the sugar by 50 g and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can substitute cow's milk with almond or soy milk, but you may notice a slight difference in texture and flavor.

This cake is not only easy to prepare but also delicious, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you make it for a family meal or a gathering with friends, it is sure to quickly become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bring a touch of joy to your kitchen!