Valentine's Day Cake with Whipped Cream

Mint-flavored whipped cream cake for Valentine's Day

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Every year, on February 14th, love is in the air, and everyone wishes to bring a smile to the faces of their loved ones. What better way to celebrate this special day than with a delicious cake, full of refined flavors and a spectacular presentation? This mint-flavored whipped cream cake recipe is not just a treat, but a true declaration of love, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Necessary ingredients:

*For the cake base:*
- 6 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of ground pistachios
- 3 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- A packet of vanilla sugar

*For the cake cream:*
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 40 g butter
- 200 g white chocolate
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 300 g whipped cream

*For decoration:*
- Hearts, decorative flowers, decorating pencils

Preparing the cake base:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the eggs, placing the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another container. This is an important step, as the egg whites will be whipped into a foam, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites on high speed. Add a pinch of salt to help stabilize the foam. Continue mixing until the egg whites become firm and shiny.

3. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a creamy, light-colored mixture.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the ground pistachios and walnuts to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Then, carefully incorporate the whipped egg whites, using up-and-down movements to avoid losing air in the mixture.

5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour over the mixture and gently mix until fully integrated. It is important not to overmix to keep the base fluffy.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 140 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Preparing the cream:

7. Melting the chocolate: While the base is baking, prepare the cream. Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, add the diced butter and mint essence, mixing until smooth.

8. Creating the cheese cream: In a separate bowl, beat the ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and the egg yolks until you achieve a fine and creamy mixture. Then, incorporate the melted chocolate and mix well. Finally, add the whipped cream, gently folding to avoid losing air in the mixture.

9. Cooling the cream: Let the cream chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes while the base cools completely.

Assembling the cake:

10. Cutting the base: Once the base has cooled, carefully cut it into three equal layers. This is best done with a bread knife, which will cut evenly without tearing the base.

11. Filling the cake: Place the first layer of base on a plate and spread a generous portion of mint cream. Continue with the second layer of base and repeat the process, finishing with the third layer.

12. Decorating: Cover the entire cake with a layer of whipped cream, smoothing the edges and top with a spatula. Add decorations like hearts, decorative flowers, and for an extra touch, use decorating pencils to draw love messages.

Serving and suggestions:

The mint-flavored whipped cream cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of mint tea or coffee, enhancing the delicate flavors of the dessert. You can also pair it with a sweet wine to complete the culinary experience. It is a dessert that not only impresses with its appearance but also with its taste, making it ideal for any special occasion, not just for Valentine's Day.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake contains delicious and healthy ingredients. Ricotta cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while pistachios and walnuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Of course, like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can try using mascarpone or cream cheese, but it will affect the final texture of the cream.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use white chocolate with a lower sugar content.
- Can the cake be made a day in advance? Absolutely! The cake will keep well in the refrigerator and the flavors will intensify.

Personalized version:

For a unique touch, add a few drops of food coloring to the mint cream to give it a vibrant hue or you can use different essences, such as vanilla or lemon, to achieve a novel flavor.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and create delicious memories with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every cake has its story. So put on your chef's attire and let's cook with love!