Summer Dream Cake

Summer Dream Cake: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Introduction:
Every summer, we crave refreshing desserts, and the Summer Dream Cake is the perfect choice! This delicacy combines a soft chocolate base with a smooth cream cheese filling and the vibrant flavors of berries. It’s an elegant cake, ideal for any occasion, but can also be made on weekends to indulge ourselves and our loved ones. Plus, it’s a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences!

A Brief History:
Cakes have a long-standing history, being an integral part of the culinary traditions of many cultures. They are often associated with celebrations and special occasions, and recipes range from simple to extremely complex. The Summer Dream Cake blends classic elements, such as chocolate and cheese, with fresh flavors, making it a popular choice on warm days.

Ingredients:

*For the chocolate base:*
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 g milk chocolate
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 5 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g walnut kernels (lightly toasted)
- 100 g brown sugar
- 100 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon coffee powder
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 2 tablespoons cognac
- 1 packet Jacobs Ice Coffee mint
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon orange zest

*For the cream:*
- 400 g cottage cheese (sieved)
- 400 g mascarpone cheese
- Juice of one sweet-sour orange
- Zest of one orange
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- 1 packet of gelatin granules

*For decoration and assembly:*
- Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- Mint leaves
- Raspberry jam
- Cherries or strawberries
- 300 ml whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet of whipped cream stabilizer

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the base:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. It’s essential to have the oven well-heated before placing the base to ensure even baking.
- Meanwhile, lightly toast the walnuts in the oven for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. This process will enhance their flavor. Let them cool, then finely grind them.
- In a large bowl, mix the butter with the brown sugar until creamy and light in color.
- Add the egg yolks, orange zest, and a pinch of salt, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Melt the dark and milk chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly. Let it cool slightly, then incorporate it into the butter and egg mixture.
- Sift the flour along with the baking powder, add the coffee powder, rum, and cognac to the chocolate and egg mixture.
- Beat the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding a teaspoon of lemon juice for stability. Gently fold the egg whites into the mixture, stirring from the bottom up to preserve the air in the foam. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.
- Finally, add the ground walnuts and mix gently.
- Line a cake pan with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Bake for 30 minutes, without opening the oven door before the 30 minutes are up. Check for doneness with a toothpick: the base should be slightly springy to the touch, and the toothpick should come out clean.

2. Preparing the cream:
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mascarpone, orange juice, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions, but use only 50 ml of cold water. Let it hydrate for 10 minutes, then melt it in a double boiler without boiling.
- Once the gelatin has cooled, gradually incorporate it into the cheese mixture, stirring gently to avoid deflating it. Place the cream in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.

3. Assembling the cake:
- In a springform pan, place a layer of plastic wrap to easily remove the cake later.
- Slice the base into 4 parts. Place the first layer at the bottom of the pan, spread raspberry jam on it, then add the second layer.
- Add a generous layer of cream, followed by the third layer, which you spread with jam again. Place the final layer on top.
- Cover the cake with a sheet of parchment paper and plastic wrap, placing a weight on top to press it down. Refrigerate until the next day to allow the flavors to meld perfectly and the cake to set well.

4. Decorating:
- After the cake has completely cooled, gently remove the form and plastic wrap. Place the cake on a serving platter.
- Whip the cream with sugar and the whipped cream stabilizer until firm. Coat the cake with whipped cream, ensuring it is even.
- Decorate with fresh berries, mint leaves, and, if desired, a few cherries or strawberries for a vibrant contrast.

5. Serving:
- Serve the cake chilled, sliced into pieces. It pairs perfectly with a refreshing fruit tea or a glass of prosecco for a festive touch.

Useful Tips:
- You can replace the berries with other favorite fruits, such as peaches or mango, to customize the cake to your taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the cream or choose dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, making it an excellent choice for parties or special events.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
2. What can I do if the cake is too moist?
- Ensure the base is well-baked and the cream is firm enough. You can add a thin layer of crushed cookies between layers to absorb excess moisture.

Nutritional Benefits:
- Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while walnuts contain essential fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.
- Dark chocolate, used in moderation, has antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

The Summer Dream Cake is the perfect choice to bring a touch of coolness and joy to warm days. Whether served at a party or as a personal treat, it will surely be a hit! Enjoy!