Tosca Cake

Tosca Cake: A Delicacy with a Storybook Flavor

If you are looking for a cake that impresses not only with its taste but also with its appearance, the Tosca cake is the ideal choice. This recipe combines a fluffy base with a fine vanilla cream, delicious cookies, and a chocolate glaze, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you want to surprise someone special or simply indulge yourself, this dessert is sure to please everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Base:
- 8 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g poppy seeds
- 50 g coconut
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet baking powder for sweets

For the Cookies:
- 300 g plain cookies (preferably without filling)

For the Cream:
- 8 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 50 g soft butter

For the Glaze:
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, according to preference)
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 50 g butter

For the Syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup coffee (preferably strong)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and you achieve a firm, shiny foam.
2. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, poppy seeds, and coconut. Gradually add them to the egg white foam, gently folding with a spatula using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.
3. Bake the base: Pour the resulting batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius and bake the base for about 25 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Mix the egg yolks: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and lightens in color.
2. Add the flour: Incorporate the flour and mix well to avoid lumps.
3. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk but do not let it boil. Once warm, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Cook the cream: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Add the butter and mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Preparing the Syrup

1. Boil the water and sugar: In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the coffee: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the coffee, mixing well. Let the syrup cool slightly.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Spread the base: Once the base has completely cooled, evenly spread it with the vanilla cream.
2. Add the cookies: Dip the cookies in the coffee syrup, one by one, and place them over the vanilla cream, ensuring they are evenly covered.
3. Prepare the glaze: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate, butter, and milk. Melt them over a double boiler, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth mixture. Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cookies.

Step 5: Finishing the Cake

1. Glazing: Pour the chocolate glaze over the cookies, ensuring it spreads evenly.
2. Cooling: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and set.

Serving Suggestions

The Tosca cake is wonderful served plain, but you can personalize it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also add some fresh seasonal fruits for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is rich in protein due to the egg whites and yolks, while the poppy seeds and coconut add fiber and healthy fats. The chocolate provides an extra boost of antioxidants, and coffee can stimulate metabolism. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the cookies with something else? Yes, you can also use biscuits or whole grain cookies, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.
3. Can it be frozen? The Tosca cake can be frozen, but it is advisable to leave it without glaze until you take it out for serving.

Variations and Tips

To add a personal touch, you can try flavoring the cream with a bit of almond or rum extract. You can also replace the coffee in the syrup with a coffee liqueur for a more intense flavor.

Don't forget to enjoy every step of making this cake, and the result will surely please everyone! Whether you serve it at a birthday party, a gathering with friends, or simply as a personal treat, the Tosca cake is more than just a dessert - it is an experience.