Winter Cake

Winter Cake – A Seasonal Delight with Orange and Chocolate Flavor

Every winter, when the cold makes its presence felt, there is no better way to warm our souls than with a delicious cake that combines the flavors of chocolate with those of oranges. The recipe below comes from a culinary tradition that brings joy to every festive meal. The Winter Cake is a masterpiece of textures and flavors, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones. I will present each step of the process so that you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 140 g sugar
- 100 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 160 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder

For the meringue layer:
- 3 egg whites
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 50 g raisins
- 30 g ground walnuts

For the chocolate and orange cream:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 240 g quality milk chocolate
- 20 g gelatin
- 60 ml orange juice
- Grated zest of one orange

For the orange cream:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 200 g sour cream
- 30 g sugar
- 60 ml orange juice
- 20 g gelatin
- Grated orange zest
- Pulp from one large orange

For decoration:
- 100 ml liquid cream

Preparing the Layers

1. Preparing the first layers: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C and prepare a 26 cm detachable pan by lining the bottom with baking paper. In a bowl, mix well 1 egg, 1 egg white, and 70 g of sugar until you achieve a fluffy composition. Add the orange juice and oil, continuing to mix. Incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing gently until homogeneous.

2. Baking the layers: Pour the composition into the pan and bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the layer turns golden and passes the toothpick test. After baking, let the layer cool completely.

3. Preparing the second layer: Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, ensuring to use the other eggs and egg whites to create a second layer. You can choose to prepare them simultaneously, but I recommend doing them separately to ensure each layer is well baked.

Preparing the Chocolate and Orange Cream

4. Chocolate cream: In a small saucepan, add 100 ml of liquid cream and pieces of chocolate. Place over low heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate completely melts and you achieve a smooth cream. Add the grated orange zest for extra flavor and let it cool.

5. Finalizing the cream: Whip the remaining 100 ml of cream until it becomes stiff peaks. Meanwhile, hydrate the gelatin in cold water, then dissolve it over low heat. Mix the gelatin into the cooled chocolate cream, then fold in the whipped cream. Let the cream chill.

Preparing the Orange Cream

6. Orange cream: Whip the liquid cream with the powdered sugar until it becomes stiff peaks. Separately, mix the sour cream with the remaining sugar and homogenize. Add the orange zest and pulp, mixing well. Hydrate the gelatin in orange juice, then dissolve it over low heat and add it to the whipped cream. Let it chill to set slightly.

Preparing the Meringue Layer

7. Meringue: Beat the egg whites with the lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue. Spread the meringue in a baking tray lined with baking paper, sprinkle the raisins and ground walnuts on top. Bake in the oven at low heat (140°C) for 1 hour, until it turns slightly golden. Once baked, let it cool.

Assembling the Cake

8. Cake layers: On a serving platter, place the first layer, spread the chocolate and orange cream, then add the second layer. Continue with the orange cream and finally place the third meringue layer.

9. Decoration: Whip 100 ml of cream and use it to decorate the cake. You can add slices of orange or grated chocolate for an elegant and festive look.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Ingredients: Make sure to use quality chocolate to achieve a rich taste. You can experiment with dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- Gelatin: It is important to follow the instructions on the package to ensure it hydrates and dissolves correctly, so the cream will have a perfect texture.
- Serving: The Winter Cake is perfect served with a cup of orange tea or a sweet wine to complement the flavors.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Oranges provide a significant amount of vitamin C, and chocolate, in moderation, can contribute to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of oranges?
Yes, you can experiment with lemons or even berries to achieve a different flavor, but be careful to adjust the amount of sugar.
2. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, but you can use egg substitutes and plant-based cream for a vegan version.
3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It is even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld.

The Winter Cake is not just a dessert, but a seasonal experience that brings joy and warmth in every slice. Don't hesitate to try it and impress your family and friends with this delicacy!