Vanilla and coffee cream cake

Vanilla and Coffee Cream Cake – An Unforgettable Delicacy

When it comes to desserts, few can rival a decadent tiramisu. Although the recipe I will share with you does not bear this venerable name, I consider it a 'reinvented tiramisu' due to its rich flavors and creamy texture. This vanilla and coffee cream cake is a quick and simple dessert to prepare, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a party with friends, or simply a weekend treat.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooling time: 1 night (ideal)
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the vanilla cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour heaped
- 5 tablespoons sugar

For the tiramisu cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml rum
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 250 g mascarpone

For soaking:
- 500 ml coffee (your favorite drink, prepared as you like)
- 7 tablespoons brown sugar
- 50 ml rum
- 1 essence of rum
- vanilla (optional)

For decoration:
- cocoa powder

For layers:
- About 48 ladyfingers (1 large package)

Preparation:

1. Vanilla cream:
Start by preparing the vanilla cream, which will form the base of this dessert. In a bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until frothy. Add the flour and mix well. Then, take 400 ml of milk and heat it in a saucepan, adding the vanilla pod or vanilla extract. When the milk begins to boil, pour the egg mixture in a thin stream, stirring constantly. Continue to cook on low heat for 5-6 minutes until the cream thickens. Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.

2. Tiramisu cream:
In another saucepan, place the egg yolks and sugar, add the rum, and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool. When cool, add the mascarpone and mix until it becomes a smooth cream. In another bowl, whip the cream and fold it into the mascarpone cream. This combination will add a slight lightness to the cream, making it even more delicious.

3. Adding coffee:
In a cup, place 1 sachet of instant coffee with 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well until it froths. Add this mixture to the tiramisu cream, stirring gently to avoid losing the airiness.

4. Preparing coffee for soaking:
Make your favorite coffee (it can be espresso or regular coffee), add the brown sugar, rum, rum essence, and vanilla. Mix well until the sugar completely dissolves.

5. Assembling the cake:
Now that all components are ready, it's time to assemble the cake. Start by dipping the ladyfingers in the prepared coffee, then place a layer of ladyfingers in the serving dish. Follow with a generous layer of tiramisu cream, then another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of cream. Continue until you finish the ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of cream.

6. Decorating:
Finally, sprinkle cocoa powder on top to add a touch of elegance. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 night (or as long as possible) to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:
When you're ready to serve, cut the cake into generous portions and enjoy every slice! It's perfect alongside a freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet wine, which will highlight the rich flavors of the dessert.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start for a more uniform emulsion.
- If you don't have rum, you can use another preferred alcohol or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.
- You can add a pinch of salt to the vanilla cream to enhance the vanilla flavor.
- Experiment by adding a layer of fresh fruits (e.g., raspberries or strawberries) between the cream layers for an extra freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake is not just a treat, but also a source of energy. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The mascarpone adds healthy fats, and the coffee contains antioxidants that can support metabolism. However, when consumed in moderation, it is an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Surely, this vanilla and coffee cream cake will quickly become your favorite, and your guests will surely ask for the recipe. So, share the joy of cooking and don't forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!