Subway Cake

Metro Cake: A Classic Delight with Savory Layers

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

The history of the Metro Cake is filled with nostalgia and often reminds us of beautiful moments spent with family, during anniversaries or celebrations. It is a dessert that combines fine layers, a velvety cream, and a decadent chocolate glaze, offering a delicious experience with every slice. Preparing this cake can become an enjoyable activity for the whole family, and the final result will surely impress anyone.

Necessary Ingredients:

Yellow Layer:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Half a packet of baking powder

Black Layer:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Half a packet of baking powder

Cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- 300 ml whipped cream

Glaze:
- 150 g chocolate (dark or milk, as preferred)
- 150 ml whipped cream

Syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Rum essence (to taste)

Preparation Technique:

1. Preparing the Layers:
The first step is to prepare the two layers of the cake. We start with the yellow layer. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon of water until a firm foam is obtained. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the foam becomes glossy and firm, similar to a meringue.

In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil, then carefully incorporate them into the egg whites, folding gently with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture. Finally, add the flour mixed with baking powder and stir gently.

For the black layer, the process is similar. Beat the egg whites with water and sugar as with the yellow layer. This time, however, at the end, add the flour, baking powder, and sifted cocoa. This will give the layers a rich chocolate flavor and an intense color.

2. Baking the Layers:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two round 24 cm diameter pans with parchment paper or grease them with margarine. Pour the batter for the layers into the prepared pans and bake for 40-50 minutes, until they pass the toothpick test – it should come out clean.

3. Preparing the Cream:
Meanwhile, we take care of the cream. In a saucepan, mix the flour with the sugar and vanilla essence. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Place the mixture over medium heat and, stirring continuously, let it boil until it thickens. Once the cream has cooled, gently fold in the whipped cream to achieve an airy texture.

4. Preparing the Syrup:
To enrich the layers, prepare the syrup. Boil 200 ml of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the rum essence and let the syrup cool.

5. Assembling the Cake:
Once the layers have completely cooled, cut them in half, resulting in four layers. Soak each layer with the prepared syrup, then spread a generous layer of cream between the layers. Alternate the yellow layer with the black one for an appealing appearance.

6. Preparing the Glaze:
In a saucepan, mix the chocolate with the whipped cream over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it over the cake, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.

7. Refrigeration:
Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:
The Metro Cake can be served plain, but for an extra touch, you can decorate it with slices of fresh fruit, caramelized nuts, or even chocolate flakes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee are excellent combinations to complement this delicious dessert.

Nutritional Benefits:
Although the Metro Cake is an indulgent dessert, its rich taste is balanced by nutritious ingredients such as milk and eggs, which provide protein and calcium. However, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I replace the oil with butter?
Yes, you can use melted butter instead of oil for a richer flavor in the layers.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup. Also, choose chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How long does the cake last?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

Possible Variations:
- Fruit Cake: Add layers of fresh fruit between the layers for a refreshing touch.
- Nut Cake: Incorporate chopped nuts into the vanilla cream for a crunchy texture.
- Coffee Cake: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the vanilla cream for a deeper flavor.

The Metro Cake is a dessert that will be gladly made every time, and each slice will bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. So, embrace this recipe, experiment, and create delicious memories in your kitchen!