Smart Cake with Caramel

Smart Cake with Caramel: A Delicacy with a Story-like Taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Have you ever thought that a cake can transport you back to your childhood, weaving sweet memories with unforgettable moments? The Smart Cake is one of those recipes that brings families together and turns meals into celebrations. This time, we’ve added a special twist: the rich flavors of melted caramel that create a soft texture and an unmistakable taste. This version has quickly become our favorite, especially on festive occasions like New Year's Eve. Let’s embark on a journey into the world of sweets!

Ingredients

- 9 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g butter
- 250 g flour
- 1 liter milk
- 200 g cocoa caramels
- 4 sachets vanilla sugar
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Ingredient details

- Eggs: Make sure they are fresh to achieve a fluffy egg white foam. Ideally, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before using.
- Sugar: You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but white sugar is perfect for a fluffy cake.
- Butter: Use high-quality butter with a high-fat content for a creamy texture.
- Flour: Make sure to sift it to avoid lumps. All-purpose flour is the best choice, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Caramels: You can use cocoa caramels or regular caramels, depending on your preferences. Make sure to choose those that melt easily.
- Vanilla sugar: Adds a delicate aroma to the cake. If you prefer, you can use vanilla extract.

Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the caramel mixture: In a large pot, add the milk, sugar, and caramels. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar and caramels are completely dissolved. It’s important not to let the mixture boil, as the caramels can burn.

2. Adding the butter: Once the mixture is fully dissolved, add the butter cut into cubes. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely. Once everything is well mixed, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool.

3. Preparing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the vanilla sugar until they become a light-colored cream. This is the stage where air is incorporated into the mixture, and the cake will become fluffy.

4. Combining the ingredients: When the caramel mixture has cooled, add the beaten egg yolks and gently mix. Sifting the flour, add it gradually to the caramel mixture. Mix gently with a spatula until fully incorporated.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This is the secret to a fluffy cake, so don’t skip this step! Add the beaten egg whites to the caramel mixture in 2-3 batches, mixing gently.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking pan with flour, ensuring there are no lumps. You can also use baking paper for added convenience.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in a preheated oven at 160°C. Bake the cake for 90 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test.

8. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. When completely cool, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

Serving and suggestions

This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. You can serve it at a festive meal or simply indulge after a long day. It’s an excellent choice for special occasions, but also for personal pampering.

Customized version

If you want to add another layer of flavor, try adding a few drops of rum or orange essence to the caramel mixture. You can also incorporate toasted nuts or ground almonds for added texture.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains eggs, which are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Milk brings calcium, while the caramels add a touch of quick energy, of course, in moderation. In total, a serving of cake has about 250 calories, but this can vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use plant-based milk? Yes, you can replace the milk with almond or soy milk, but the taste will be slightly different.
- How can I tell if the cake is done? The toothpick test is the best way to check. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it’s best to consume it fresh to maintain its fluffy texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This Smart Cake with caramel will not disappoint but will turn every meal into a sweet celebration. Enjoy!