Vivi cake

Vivi Cake - A Delight with Vanilla Cream and Coffee Mousse

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Total time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Are you dreaming of a dessert that combines delicate vanilla flavors with the intensity of coffee, all on a crunchy base of ladyfingers? Then, Vivi Cake is the perfect choice for you! This recipe brings together textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly, and the preparation process will transform you into a true dessert master. I will guide you through each step, ingredient, and trick to ensure that the final result is exceptional.

Ingredients needed

*For the vanilla cream:*

- 4 egg yolks
- 50 g cornstarch
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g butter
- Vanilla extract (to taste)
- 1 package of ladyfingers

*For the syrup:*

- Water
- Sugar (enough to soak two layers of ladyfingers)

*For the coffee mousse:*

- 4 egg whites
- 2/3 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 2 packets of LaFesta cappuccino (or instant coffee)

*For decoration:*

- Cocoa powder
- Water (enough to make a thick paste)

A bit of history

Vivi Cake is a family recipe that has been passed down through generations. This cake is inspired by the classic combination of coffee and vanilla, but with a personal touch – the fluffy coffee mousse gives it an elegant appearance and a refined taste. It is the ideal dessert to serve on a special occasion, but also to indulge in on an ordinary evening at home.

Step by step: How to prepare Vivi Cake

*Step 1: Prepare the vanilla cream*

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for the vanilla cream. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Place the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. It's important not to let the cream boil too vigorously to prevent it from curdling. Once the cream reaches a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. After it has cooled, add the vanilla extract and the whipped butter, mixing well until smooth.

*Step 2: Prepare the syrup*

In a small saucepan, combine water with sugar and boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. The syrup will be used to soak the ladyfingers, so make sure you have enough to cover two layers.

*Step 3: Prepare the coffee mousse*

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue. Gently fold in the two packets of cappuccino, being careful to maintain the fluffy texture.

*Step 4: Assemble the cake*

In a baking dish, pour the prepared vanilla cream. Break the ladyfingers into large pieces and arrange them evenly over the vanilla cream. Using a spoon, soak the ladyfingers with the prepared syrup, taking care not to soak them too much.

Pour half of the coffee mousse over the ladyfingers and level it with a spatula. Use a sieve to dust cocoa powder over the entire surface of the mousse. Add another layer of broken ladyfingers, soak them again, and finally, pour the remaining coffee mousse, finishing with another layer of cocoa powder.

*Step 5: Decorate the cake*

In a small bowl, mix half a packet of cocoa powder with a tablespoon of water to create a thick paste. This paste will be used to decorate the cake. You can drizzle the paste over the cake either evenly or by creating decorative shapes.

*Step 6: Chill and serve*

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to set properly. The next day, the cake will be perfect to enjoy. Serve it with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea for a perfect contrast.

Useful tips

- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature for better integration into the mixtures.
- You can use gluten-free ladyfingers to make this cake suitable for those with intolerances.
- If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can add a few drops of coffee extract to the egg white mousse.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake has approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. Although it is a dessert, ingredients like eggs and milk provide protein and calcium, while coffee can have stimulating effects on mood.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but it's important to follow the instructions on the packaging for sugar equivalence.

2. How can I store the cake?
Vivi Cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

3. What other variations can I try?
You can experiment with different flavors, such as almonds or chocolate, by adding them to the vanilla cream.

I hope you enjoy this delicious recipe and that you will add Vivi Cake to your list of favorite desserts! Enjoy!