Viennese Cake (2)

Viennese Cake - An Unforgettable Delight

If you’re looking for a cake that will delight your taste buds and add a touch of elegance to your life, you’ve found the perfect recipe! The Viennese Cake, with its delicate layers and rich cream, is exactly the dessert that will impress both family and friends. This recipe combines the intense flavor of chocolate with the juiciness of sour cherries, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Layers:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 100 g sugar
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 350 g flour
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Juice of one lemon

Cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 50 g cornstarch
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Rum essence
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g sour cherries (fresh or canned)

Glaze:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cream

Necessary Utensils
- 2 pots (one for a double boiler)
- Mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Baking tray (preferably with slightly higher edges)
- Plastic wrap

Step by Step

Preparing the Layers
1. Double Boiler: Start by preparing two pots. Fill one with water and place it on the heat to warm up. The second pot will be used to combine the ingredients for the layers.
2. Mixing Ingredients: In the top pot, add the egg, sugar, cocoa, honey, and oil. Mix well using a mixer on low speed until the mixture becomes smooth. Continue mixing until it thickens (about 10 minutes).
3. Reacting Ingredients: Add the baking soda activated with lemon juice to initiate the reaction, then incorporate the milk and flour. Mix everything well until you achieve a soft but firm dough.
4. Dividing the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Baking the Layers
5. Rolling Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough into thin layers. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.
6. Baking: Place the layers on the back of the baking tray (this helps prevent sticking) and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 7-10 minutes until they become slightly firm but not dry. Allow them to cool completely.

Preparing the Cream
7. Cornstarch Cream: In a pot, mix the cornstarch with sugar and add the milk. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 10 minutes). Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool.
8. Finishing the Cream: Once the cream has cooled, add cocoa and rum essence. In a separate bowl, whip the butter until fluffy, then gradually incorporate the milk cream. Finally, add the chopped sour cherries.

Assembling the Cake
9. Layering: Place the first layer on a serving platter, spread half of the cherry cream on top, then add the second layer. Repeat the process with the remaining cream and finish with the last layer. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to soften the layers.

Glazing
10. Preparing the Glaze: In a bowl, melt the chocolate with the cream in a double boiler, stirring continuously until it becomes a smooth mixture.
11. Finishing the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over it and let it cool for another 30 minutes. Slice and serve with a smile!

Helpful Tips
- Choosing Cherries: If using canned sour cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the cream.
- Vegan Option: You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the milk with plant-based milk to create a vegan version of this cake.
- Serving: The Viennese Cake is delicious served alongside a fragrant coffee or fruit tea, perfect for a gathering with friends or as a dessert after a special dinner.

Nutritional Benefits
- Sour Cherries: These fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing beneficial effects on the immune system.
- Cocoa: Not only does it offer an intense flavor, but it also provides flavonoids, which can support cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the secret to getting perfect layers? It’s essential not to overbake them; they should be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven.
2. Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! The cake can be adapted with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for varied flavor and appearance.
3. How long does the cake last? The cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, but the taste is best in the first two days.

Enjoy the cooking process and the final result that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Sweet cravings!