Television Cake

Television Cake - A Delicacy with Brown and White Layers

Television Cake is a classic dessert, cherished by many generations, that brings a touch of nostalgia in every slice. This cake with contrasting layers of brown and white, enriched with a fine cream and a decadent glaze, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for an anniversary, a gathering with friends, or simply to treat your family, this recipe will bring smiles to faces. Additionally, it is a simple recipe but with an impressive visual and taste impact.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

For the brown layers:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g butter (65% fat), at room temperature
- 120 g sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons rum essence

For the white layer:
- 6 eggs
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Grated zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 600 ml milk
- 6 and 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 250 g sugar
- 300 g butter (80% fat), at room temperature
- 1 vanilla pod
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 50 g milk chocolate
- 300 ml liquid cream

Preparation

1. Brown Layers:
Start by preparing the brown layers. In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the soft butter until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Add the milk, cocoa, and rum essence, mixing well. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the mixture.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the egg whites to the yolk mixture, using a spatula and gentle movements to avoid losing air from the foam.
Divide the obtained mixture into two equal bowls. Line a 34/36 cm baking tray with parchment paper and pour the first part of the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 12-14 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the layer is ready. Repeat the process with the second mixture. After baking, let the layers cool completely.

2. White Layer:
For the second layer, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until they double in volume. Add the flour, baking powder, and grated orange zest. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become a firm foam and carefully incorporate them into the yolk mixture. Line the same tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes. Perform the toothpick test and let the layer cool.

3. Cream:
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with the sugar, seeds from the vanilla pod, and a little milk to avoid lumps. Bring the rest of the milk to a boil. When it boils, reduce the heat and pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously. Cook until it thickens, then remove from heat and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. After it cools, mix the cream and add the butter and orange zest, mixing until fluffy.

4. Assembly:
In the tray where you baked the layers, place one brown layer, followed by half of the cream, which you level evenly. Add the white layer, the remaining cream, and finally, the other brown layer. Make sure everything is well leveled.

5. Glaze:
For the glaze, in a saucepan, place the broken chocolate and cream. Set over medium heat and stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted. Turn off the heat and let the glaze cool slightly, but not completely. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges. Let the cake sit at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for 4-5 hours before cutting.

Practical Tips

- Ingredient Temperature: It is important that the butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will help achieve a finer and airier texture.
- Baking Check: Every oven is different. It is recommended to check the layers 2-3 minutes before the specified time.
- Recipe Customization: You can add various flavors such as almond essence or white chocolate to the cream for a personal twist.
- Serving: Television Cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information

This cake is a rich dessert, and one serving contains approximately 350-400 calories. Although it is indulgent, the ingredients used also provide nutritional benefits, such as proteins from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter. Of course, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the butter with something else?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture and taste will be different.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 4-5 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to portion it before freezing and wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
An espresso coffee or black tea can perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake, providing a pleasant contrast.

Television Cake is not just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will transport you back in time and delight your taste buds. So, put on your chef's attire and let’s prepare this delicacy together! Enjoy your meal!