Snowflake Cake

Snowflake Cake: A Refreshing Indulgence with Coconut and Pineapple

If you're looking for a quick, refreshing, and extremely delicious dessert, you've come to the right place! The Snowflake Cake is a perfect combination of a fluffy egg white base and a smooth pineapple cream that will delight your senses. This simple recipe is ideal for warm days, as well as for moments when you want to impress your guests with an unusual dessert. Below, I will present step by step how to achieve this sweet indulgence, providing you with some useful tips to ensure you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 egg whites (about 180 g)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (about 30 g)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (about 140 g)
- 40 g coconut
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Lemon essence (optional, but recommended for a fresh taste)

For the cream:
- 1 can of pineapple (about 400 g, drained)
- 200 g liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (about 10 g)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). It is important to have the oven well heated to achieve a fluffy base.
2. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, using a mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Start incorporating the coconut, sifted flour together with the baking powder, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. This step is crucial; you need to be gentle to avoid deflating the meringue.
4. Flavor: If desired, add a few drops of lemon essence for added flavor.
5. Bake the base: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the base easily pulls away from the paper. Make sure not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to prevent the base from collapsing.
6. Cool: After baking, let the base cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then peel off the parchment paper and transfer the base to a serving plate.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Hydrate the gelatin: In a small bowl, add the gelatin to 50 ml of cold water and let it hydrate for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the pineapple: Use a blender or immersion mixer to puree the drained pineapple until it becomes a smooth puree.
3. Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream together with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm consistency.
4. Heat the gelatin: Microwave the hydrated gelatin for 10 seconds to melt it, then mix it with the pineapple puree.
5. Combine the ingredients: Gently fold the pineapple puree into the whipped cream, ensuring that the gelatin is evenly distributed in the mixture.
6. Fill the cake: Pour the pineapple cream over the cooled base and smooth the surface. Generously sprinkle coconut on top for an attractive appearance.

Step 3: Cooling and serving

1. Cool the cake: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally wait 3-4 hours for the cream to set properly. If you have patience, you will achieve a perfect result!
2. Serving: Before serving, you can grate some chocolate on top for added flavor. It’s a delicious combination that will impress any guest!

Practical Tips

- Care for the egg whites: Ensure that your bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease; otherwise, the egg whites will not whip well.
- Vegan option: You can substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream, and the gelatin with agar-agar for a completely vegan recipe.
- More fruits: If you want to experiment, you can add other fruits, such as peaches or strawberries, instead of pineapple for a different flavor.
- Delicious combinations: The Snowflake Cake pairs perfectly with iced tea or a fresh fruit smoothie. I recommend mint tea or a banana-strawberry smoothie.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a rich source of protein due to the egg whites, and the coconut adds fiber and healthy fats. Pineapple, on the other hand, is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it an excellent ingredient for a dessert that is not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why do I need to wait before cutting the cake? The cream needs time to set, and if you cut it too early, it will collapse.
- Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! You can use any fruit you prefer, but make sure they are well drained to avoid diluting the cream.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for 3-4 days, but it is best to consume it in the first few days to enjoy its freshness.

Whether you serve it at a party or as a personal treat, the Snowflake Cake will bring a smile to anyone's face. By trying this recipe, not only do you enjoy a tasty dessert, but you also practice your culinary skills. Enjoy your meal!