Subway Cake

Metro Cake – A Delicacy with Layers of Flavor and Texture

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

Who doesn’t love a cake that combines the golden hues of a fluffy base with the intensity of a cocoa layer? The Metro Cake is a classic recipe, deeply rooted in culinary tradition, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to get-togethers with friends. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a true taste experience, with alternating layers of yellow and brown bases, united by a smooth cream and delicious glaze.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the Yellow Base:*
- 4 eggs
- 260 g sugar
- 260 g flour
- 10 tablespoons warm water
- 7 tablespoons oil
- 20 g baking powder

*For the Brown Base:*
- 4 eggs
- 260 g sugar
- 260 g flour (minus 4 tablespoons, which will be replaced with cocoa)
- 10 tablespoons warm water
- 7 tablespoons oil
- 20 g baking powder
- 4 tablespoons cocoa

*For the Cream:*
- 300 ml milk
- 3-4 tablespoons flour
- a vanilla pod
- 300 g butter
- 300 g powdered sugar

*For the Glaze:*
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 g butter
- 10 tablespoons water

Preparing the Bases

1. Yellow Base: Start by separating the egg yolks from the whites. In a large bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until you achieve a creamy, light-colored mixture. Then, gradually add the warm water, oil, and sifted flour, mixing gently. It is important not to use a mixer to avoid incorporating air into the mixture.

2. Add the baking powder: Quench the baking powder with a little lemon juice and integrate it into the yolk mixture.

3. Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, adding a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon juice for stability. Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, mixing gently from top to bottom.

4. Baking the Yellow Base: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Brown Base: Repeat the same steps for the brown base, but add the 4 tablespoons of cocoa when incorporating the flour. This will replace part of the flour to maintain proportions.

Preparing the Cream

1. Cream Base: In a saucepan, mix the cold milk with the sifted flour. Place over low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps. Add the seeds from the vanilla pod and continue to stir until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous cream.

2. Butter Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until fluffy. Once the milk cream has cooled, gradually incorporate it into the butter mixture, continuing to mix.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the Bases: Once each base has completely cooled, cut them into equal-sized slices. Ensure the bases are of the same height; if necessary, trim them with a sharp knife.

2. Alternating Layers: Start assembling by alternating the slices of yellow and brown base, sticking them together with the prepared cream. This is a perfect moment to have fun and unleash your creativity!

Preparing the Glaze

1. Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cocoa, and butter. Stir constantly over heat until the ingredients melt and you achieve a smooth glaze. It is essential to pour the glaze immediately after removing it from the heat for even spreading.

2. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool for at least 12 hours to let the flavors blend perfectly.

Serving and Useful Tip

When you are ready to serve the Metro Cake, use a knife heated over a flame to achieve clean cuts. Cut diagonally to create attractive portions that contain both yellow and brown bases.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a personal touch, you can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the butter cream for a crunchy texture. You can also replace the cocoa with carob powder for a caffeine-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of oil? Yes, sunflower or canola oil are excellent options and will provide a neutral taste.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream, adapting the recipe to your taste.

Nutritional Values

A serving of Metro Cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 400 calories, being rich in carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the butter. It is a good choice for special occasions!

This cake is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. So, invite your friends and family to enjoy a slice of this delight!

Enjoy every step of the process and don’t forget to have fun while cooking! The Metro Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a way to bring joy and warmth around the table. Enjoy your meal!