Vanilla pudding cake

Vanilla and cocoa pudding cake - a simple yet refined delicacy that will delight family and friends! This dessert, with a slightly moist texture and an inviting aroma, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a family gathering, an anniversary, or just to add a touch of sweetness to your day, this recipe will surprise you with its ease and flavor. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (plus 2-3 hours for cooling)
Number of servings: 12-14

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 fresh eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar (about 100 g)
- 9 tablespoons flour (about 120 g)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (about 30 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 7 g)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (for a fresh taste)
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the syrup:
- 170 ml water
- 5 tablespoons sugar (about 75 g)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding (about 80 g)
- 6-7 tablespoons sugar (about 90-100 g)
- 800 ml milk (it's important not to use more to avoid a too-soft pudding)

A brief history:
Pudding cake is a dessert that has gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and versatility. Inspired by traditional recipes, this cake brings together textures and flavors that perfectly complement each other, creating a moment of indulgence for all sweet lovers.

Preparing the cake:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It's essential that the egg whites are at room temperature for optimal whipping.
2. In a large bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and begin beating them with a mixer on medium speed until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the lemon zest and rum essence. Mix well.
5. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites, using a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, continuing to mix carefully.

Step 2: Baking the base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the base mixture into the tray, leveling the surface with a spatula.
3. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be mindful of your oven, as each one bakes differently!

Step 3: Preparing the pudding cream
1. In a bowl, mix the 2 packets of pudding with 8 tablespoons of milk and 6 tablespoons of sugar until smooth.
2. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan. When it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the pudding mixture. Mix well.
3. Return to medium heat and stir continuously until the pudding thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Preparing the syrup
1. In a small saucepan, add the water, sugar, lemon zest, and rum essence. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has completely cooled, evenly soak it with the prepared syrup.
2. Pour the vanilla pudding over the base, smoothing it out with a spatula.
3. Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours to set and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Decorating and serving the cake
1. After cooling, you can decorate the cake with coconut, whipped cream, fresh fruits, or even grated chocolate for an extra touch of flavor.
2. Cut the cake into generous portions and enjoy it with your loved ones. It is a perfect dessert to be savored on a quiet evening or at a special occasion.

Useful tips:
- Whipping the egg whites: Make sure the egg whites are whipped well enough so that the cake has a fluffy texture.
- Cooling: It’s important to wait for all components (the base, pudding, and syrup) to cool before assembling to avoid melting the pudding.
- Variations: You can experiment with different pudding flavors, such as chocolate or caramel, to give your cake a personalized touch.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the cake doesn't rise well?
Make sure the baking powder is fresh and that you haven't opened the oven during baking, which can cause it to deflate.

- Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can use almond, soy, or oat milk, but make sure to choose a pudding that matches this type of milk.

- What can I pair this cake with?
A vanilla pudding cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream alongside can turn the dessert into an unforgettable experience!

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This pudding cake is an excellent source of carbohydrates and proteins, thanks to the eggs and milk. A serving contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Vanilla pudding brings a touch of calcium, while cocoa provides antioxidants.

In conclusion, the vanilla and cocoa pudding cake is not only a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to create special moments with loved ones. Don't hesitate to experiment and personalize the recipe to your tastes! Enjoy!