Tosca Cake

Tosca Cake with Poppy Seeds and Coconut - A Fluffy Delight for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes (plus 5-6 hours in the fridge)
Number of servings: 12

The Tosca cake is a perfect choice for special moments when you want to impress family or friends. This recipe combines diverse textures and flavors, resulting in a cake with a fluffy base, a smooth cream, and a decadent glaze. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

The Story of Tosca Cake
The origins of Tosca cake are shrouded in mystery, but what we know for sure is that over time it has been loved by many due to its delicious combination of ingredients. This is a perfect recipe to add a touch of elegance to your table, ideal for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself.

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 egg whites
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 60 g poppy seeds
- 40 g coconut
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 8 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons and 1/2 cornstarch
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g butter (80% fat)
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 1 vanilla pod
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the glaze:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 200 g Petit Beurre biscuits
- 1 cup brewed coffee

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer on high speed until they become a firm foam.
2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the meringue becomes shiny and firm. This is the secret to achieving a fluffy base.
3. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gently fold them into the meringue, mixing with a spatula to maintain the air in the mixture.
4. Add the poppy seeds, coconut, and vanilla. Mix gently until well combined.

Step 2: Baking the Base
1. Line a 24/36 cm tray with baking paper and pour in the base mixture, leveling it evenly.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray inside. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned on top. You can check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the base is ready.
3. Remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream
1. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored cream.
2. Add the cornstarch and mix well. Gradually incorporate the milk and the seeds from the vanilla pod.
3. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan with a thicker bottom and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens, similar to a pudding.
4. Turn off the heat, cover the cream with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming, and let it cool.
5. Once cooled, beat the cream with the room temperature butter to achieve a smooth texture.
6. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until firm and fold it into the egg yolk cream along with the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Line the tray where you baked the base with plastic wrap again. Place the base in the tray, then pour the cream on top, leveling it evenly.
2. Soak the biscuits in coffee and place them on the cream, side by side, creating an even layer.

Step 5: Preparing the Glaze
1. In a bowl, add the milk chocolate and dark chocolate, broken into pieces, along with the liquid cream.
2. Place the bowl over a double boiler and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and homogenized.
3. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the biscuits, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
4. Refrigerate the cake for 5-6 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Serving
1. When the cake is completely cooled, cut it into portions and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. This adds an extra touch of refinement and a note of freshness.

Practical Tips
- Choosing Ingredients: Use quality chocolate for a delicious glaze. Dark chocolate adds a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cream and biscuits.
- Biscuits: Petit Beurre biscuits are an excellent choice, but you can also experiment with other cookies, such as cocoa ones for a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can replace the poppy seeds with ground nuts or add a little almond essence for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if the base doesn't bake evenly? Check the oven temperature; you may need to adjust the baking time or ensure that the tray is placed in the middle of the oven.
- Can I use plant-based milk instead of regular milk? Yes, almond or coconut milk can add an interesting flavor to the cake.
- How long can the cake be stored? If kept in the fridge, the cake can last up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits
Tosca cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients such as eggs, which are an excellent source of protein, and coconut, which brings healthy fats. Consumed in moderation, this cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Tosca cake is a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Dare to prepare it and enjoy every moment of the process! Enjoy your meal!