Sunflower Cake

Sunflower Cake: A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

The Sunflower Cake is a perfect choice for any special occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings. This recipe is not only delicious but also filled with beautiful memories, having a personal story related to your mother-in-law's birthday, who loves sunflowers. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to a homemade dessert, this cake will win you over with every slice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the cake base:
- 330 g flour
- 1 cup (approximately 200 g) sugar
- 1 cup (approximately 200 ml) oil
- 1 cup (approximately 200 ml) milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Juice and zest of one lemon
- 1 vanilla essence

For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 1 vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- Berries (fresh or frozen, as preferred)

For decoration:
- Colored whipped cream (optional)
- Additional berries (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, add 330 g of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of oil, 1 cup of milk, the 3 eggs, baking powder, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla essence. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth batter will produce a fluffy base.

Step 2: Baking the base
Grease a cake pan with butter and sprinkle a light amount of flour to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean). After baking, let the base cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
While the base cools, prepare the cream. Place 250 ml of milk in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. When the milk starts to warm, in a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once combined, return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. When the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat, add the vanilla sugar or essence, and let it cool.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
When both the base and the cream are completely cool, cut the base in half horizontally, creating two discs. Place the first half on a platter and spread the cream evenly over its surface. Add the berries on top of the cream, whether you choose raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. This mixture of fruits will add a touch of freshness and a contrast of textures.

Then, place the other half of the base over the filling, pressing gently to secure it. Now, your cake is ready to be decorated. You can use colored whipped cream to give it a festive look or decorate it with additional berries for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Serving
I recommend letting the cake sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before cutting it. This will help stabilize the cream and make each slice perfect. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable combination.

Practical tips
- Use fresh berries for a more intense flavor, but if they are not available, frozen ones are an excellent choice. Make sure to let them thaw before use.
- If you want to add a chocolate note, you can incorporate some dark chocolate chips into the cream or sprinkle grated chocolate on top of the cake.
- For a moister cake, you can drizzle the base with a sugar syrup made from boiled water and sugar mixed with a bit of vanilla essence.

Nutritional information
This cake has a moderate caloric intake, and the ingredients used provide a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats (thanks to the oil). The berries add a boost of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can also try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the cake may vary. Make sure to adjust the quantities according to the type of flour used.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

3. What other fruit combinations can I use?
Instead of berries, you can use peaches, plums, or even bananas, depending on your preferences.

4. Can I make the cake without eggs?
Yes, you can use vegan alternatives for eggs, such as applesauce or soy yogurt, but the recipe may require adjustments to achieve the desired consistency.

5. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, or you can choose tarter fruits for a contrast of flavors.

This Sunflower Cake will not only be a centerpiece at any table but will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!