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Steaua Cake with Mascarpone Cream – A Delicacy for Young Football Enthusiasts

Welcome to the world of delicious sweets! Today, I invite you to discover a special recipe, perfect for celebrating the most beautiful moments in life, whether it's a birthday, a party, or an important football match. The Steaua Cake with mascarpone cream is the ideal choice for an 11-year-old kid, but also for any big fan of the team.

In this recipe, you will learn how to prepare an airy cake, with a delicious base and a fine mascarpone cream, all enveloped in white chocolate. And to make it truly special, we will also add a few candied cranberries, which will bring a touch of acidity and an interesting texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 6 eggs
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 12 tablespoons of raw sugar
- Vanilla seeds (from a pod)
- 200 ml beet juice (or red food coloring)

Ingredients for the cream:
- 500 g mascarpone
- 500 g white chocolate
- 100 g candied cranberries
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 150 g powdered sugar
- Vanilla seeds (from a pod)
- 800 ml strawberry compote for soaking

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 200 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 600 g fondant
- Green colored coconut (for decoration)

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy. When they start to stiffen, gradually add the raw sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a stiff meringue. Add the yolks, beet juice, and vanilla seeds, gently mixing until well combined.

If you want a more intense color, you can add a drop of red food coloring, but beet juice provides a natural and pleasant hue. Finally, carefully fold in the flour, mixing with a spatula until homogeneous. It is important not to overmix to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

2. Baking the Base:
Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake at medium heat (about 180°C) for 40-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it is well baked – if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Once baked, let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the Cream:
Melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave, being careful not to burn it. Let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, whip the cream until it becomes whipped cream. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone with the cooled white chocolate and powdered sugar. Then add the whipped cream and candied cranberries, gently mixing until homogeneous. Leave the cream in the fridge for half an hour.

4. Assembling the Cake:
Once the base has cooled, cut it into 3 equal layers. Use the same baking pan to assemble the cake. Place the first layer of base, soak it with the strawberry compote, then add a layer of cream and a few streaks of white chocolate. Repeat the process for the other layers, finishing with the last soaked base.

5. Preparing the Glaze:
For the glaze, mix the softened butter with the powdered sugar until creamy, then add the remaining melted white chocolate. Use this glaze to coat the cake, ensuring it is even.

6. Decorating:
Once the cake is glazed, let it chill in the fridge to set. You can decorate the cake with fondant and colored coconut to give it a grass-like appearance.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

This Steaua cake pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as freshly squeezed lemonade or fruit juice. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake creates an unforgettable dessert.

Practical Tips

- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for an even texture.
- You can replace cranberries with other candied fruits, such as blueberries or cherries, for a different flavor.
- If you want a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of raw sugar in the base and powdered sugar in the cream.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of cake contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the exact amount of ingredients used. The cake is rich in healthy fats from mascarpone and butter, as well as antioxidants from white chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Of course! Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour can be excellent options to make the cake healthier.

2. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, but you can experiment with vegan alternatives, such as chia eggs and coconut cream.

3. How long can this cake be kept?
The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to preserve it even longer.

We conclude with a personal note: each slice of this cake is not just a dessert, but an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and unleash your creativity in the kitchen! Enjoy!