Winter Night Cake

Winter Night Cake: A Holiday Delight

The Winter Night Cake is a perfect recipe to bring a touch of magic to the cold winter evenings. With a fluffy base, a delicious cream, and a shiny glaze, this cake not only delights the taste buds but also brings a smile to the faces of loved ones. Let’s discover together how to prepare this marvel step by step.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 6 eggs
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the Cream:
- 1 pack of margarine (or butter, preferably Rama)
- 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 3 sachets of instant coffee
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum essence)

For the Syrup:
- 300 ml water
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 sachet of instant coffee
- Remaining rum from soaking the raisins

For the Glaze:
- 50 g chocolate
- 3-4 tablespoons of water
- A little oil

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results. The eggs should be fresh, and the sugar should be fine.

2. Beat the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. A well-beaten foam will contribute to an airy texture of the base.

3. Add the Sugar: Start adding the 12 tablespoons of sugar gradually, continuing to beat until a shiny meringue forms.

4. Incorporate the Yolks: Add the 6 yolks and gently mix with a spatula from bottom to top. It is important to maintain the air in the meringue, so avoid mixing too vigorously.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually add them to the egg mixture, carefully mixing to avoid deflating the meringue.

6. Bake the Base: Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. Use the toothpick test to check if the base is baked: if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream
1. Cream the Margarine: In a separate bowl, cream the margarine (or butter) with the 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar until it becomes a creamy and homogeneous mixture.

2. Add the Instant Coffee: Dissolve the 3 sachets of instant coffee in a little hot water and add them to the margarine cream. Mix well.

3. Incorporate the Raisins: Add the raisins, which have been soaked in rum essence for 10 minutes, to the cream. They will add an extra flavor.

4. Vary the Taste: A personal suggestion is to add a few tablespoons of vanilla cream, made from half a liter of milk, to enrich the flavors. Make sure it is well chilled before adding it to the margarine cream.

Step 3: Preparing the Syrup
1. Boil the Syrup: In a saucepan, boil 300 ml of water together with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and 1 sachet of instant coffee. Add the remaining rum from the raisins to intensify the flavor.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Cut the Base: Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts.

2. Soak the Base: Use the prepared syrup to soak each half of the base. This step will ensure moisture and enrich the taste.

3. Fill with Cream: Spread the cream evenly on the first half of the base, then cover with the other half.

4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate with 3-4 tablespoons of water and a little oil, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth. This will create a shiny glaze, perfect for covering the cake.

5. Glaze the Cake: Pour the glaze over the cake, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Decoration
1. Decorate with Whipped Cream: Use whipped cream to draw a lattice on top of the glaze or sprinkle coconut to create a 'snow' effect. These details add a festive and attractive aspect to the cake.

Serving
Once the cake has completely cooled, it is ready to be served. A personal recommendation is to accompany it with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, which perfectly complements the sweet taste of the cake. It can also be a wonderful dessert for festive holiday meals.

Useful Tips
- Storage: The Winter Night Cake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Variations: You can experiment with various types of nuts or dried fruits in the cream to add a personal touch.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- *Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the glaze?* Yes, white chocolate offers a different sweetness and a pleasant contrast with the coffee cream.
- *Is it possible to make the cake without eggs?* You can use egg substitutes, such as banana puree or applesauce, but the textures will be different.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from sugar, proteins from eggs, and fats from margarine/butter. Raisins add fiber and vitamins, and cocoa contains beneficial antioxidants. It is a rich dessert, so enjoy it in moderation!

The Winter Night Cake is not just a recipe, but also a story, a moment of indulgence, and a reason for joy for loved ones. I invite you to prepare it and share this delicacy with your family and friends!