Tumbled

Chocolate and Coconut Coated

A delicious cake that combines a fluffy texture with a crunchy filling, Tavălită is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This simple cake recipe will quickly become your family's favorite due to its rich flavor and easy preparation. It is an excellent choice for a festive meal as well as for a gathering with friends. Let’s discover together how to make this wonderful cake!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 250 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g margarine
- 100 ml mineral water (or milk, as preferred)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 100 g coconut
- 100 g nuts (black or Romanian)
- Zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the egg is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. If using mineral water, it will add a fluffier texture to the cake, but milk is an excellent alternative if you prefer a creamier taste.

2. Beat the egg with the sugar: In a large bowl, beat the egg together with the sugar using a mixer or a whisk. Continue beating until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar is completely dissolved. This is an essential step for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Add the margarine and dry ingredients: Once the egg is well beaten, add the melted margarine and mix well. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift these dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid lumps.

4. Incorporate the liquid: Gradually add the mineral water or milk, as well as the grated orange zest. Mix until you obtain a smooth batter. The orange zest adds a fresh and invigorating note, perfect for complementing the sweetness of the cake.

5. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the obtained mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper or greased with margarine. Ensure that the batter is evenly distributed in the dish. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test.

6. Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate glaze. Place the cooking chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl and add a tablespoon of margarine. Heat in the microwave at medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

7. Prepare the nuts: Break the nuts and crumble them. These will add a crunchy texture to your cake. Mix the nuts with the coconut in a separate bowl.

8. Assemble the cake: After the cake has baked, let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the dish and let it cool on a rack. Once the cake is completely cooled, cut it into appropriately sized squares.

9. Coat the cake: Once the cake is cut, take each piece and dip it in the melted chocolate glaze, then roll it in the mixture of coconut and nuts. This is when the cake becomes truly special!

10. Serving: The Tavălită cake is served at room temperature but can also be enjoyed slightly chilled from the fridge. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fruit tea for a truly refined dessert.

Practical tips:

- To achieve an even fluffier cake, you can replace some of the flour with almond or coconut flour.
- You can use white chocolate for a more delicate glaze, and the coconut can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts for an interesting variation.
- If you want to add a splash of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla or rum essence to the batter.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, while coconut contains fiber and antioxidants. The time spent in the kitchen will be rewarded with a delicacy that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine, but this will slightly change the texture and taste of the cake.

2. What can I use instead of cooking chocolate?
You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, according to your preferences.

3. What is the best way to store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. I recommend cutting it into portions before freezing for easier thawing.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This Tavălită recipe is simple yet full of flavor, and the final result will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!