Yogurt and strawberry jelly cake

Luki Cake: A Birthday Delight

The Luki Cake is a special dessert, lovingly created to celebrate a memorable birthday. It combines fluffy layers of cocoa and vanilla, a sweet and sour strawberry jelly, and a light yogurt cream, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. Preparing this cake may seem challenging, but with a little patience and enthusiasm, you'll achieve a result worthy of any celebration.

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

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 packets of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa

For the yogurt cream:
- 500 g liquid cream
- 250 g plain yogurt

For the jelly:
- 1 kg strawberries
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin sheets (about 10 g)
- 1 lemon - juice and zest

For decoration:
- 250 g chocolate candies

History of the Luki Cake

The cake, as a symbol of celebrations, has a long and fascinating history, being used in various cultures to mark special moments. Over time, recipes have diversified, but the essence remains the same: joy shared through taste and aroma. The Luki Cake, with its varied layers and unique combination of ingredients, brings a touch of originality to the tradition of birthday cakes.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Layers
- Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy, then gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.
- Add the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil until they become a homogeneous mixture. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the yolk mixture using a spatula to preserve the air in the meringue.
- Flour and cocoa: Sift the flour with the baking powder and cocoa (only for the first layer) over the egg mixture and gently fold in with upward motions.
- Bake the layers: Divide the batter into two pans (if you have, 20 cm) and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick if they are baked; if it comes out clean, the layers are ready. Let them cool completely.

2. Preparing the Strawberry Jelly
- Clean the strawberries: Wash and clean the strawberries, then mash them using a blender or a fork until you obtain a puree.
- Boil the puree: Place the strawberry puree in a pot, add the sugar and the lemon juice and zest, and let it boil over medium heat for 15 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid sticking.
- Soak the gelatin: In a bowl of cold water, soak the gelatin for 10 minutes. After the strawberries have boiled, remove the pot from the heat, let it cool for 5 minutes, and add the gelatin, stirring until it completely dissolves.

3. Preparing the Yogurt Cream
- Whip the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm.
- Incorporate the yogurt: Add the yogurt to the cream and gently mix with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

4. Assembling the Cake
- First layer: Use a cake ring to assemble. Place the first cocoa sponge layer followed by half of the yogurt cream. Put the cake in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up a bit.
- Add the jelly: After the 10 minutes, add half of the strawberry jelly over the yogurt cream.
- Second layer: Place the second sponge layer, soaked with a syrup of water and a little sugar, then complete with the rest of the yogurt cream. Finally, add the remaining jelly and let the cake cool in the refrigerator for a few hours.

5. Decorating the Cake
- Chocolate and candies: Melt the chocolate and use bubble wrap to create a unique decoration on the edge of the cake. Once the chocolate has hardened, decorate the cake with chocolate candies.

Practical Tips
- Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin is well hydrated before adding it to the mixture to avoid lumps.
- Correct whipping: Whip the cream until it becomes firm, but be careful not to overwhip it, or it will turn into butter.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits for the jelly, such as raspberries or blueberries, or add flavors like vanilla or almonds to the yogurt cream.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of yogurt?
- Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture, but make sure it is plain, without added flavors.

2. How long can the cake be kept?
- The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

3. How can I replace sugar?
- You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that these ingredients may slightly alter the texture.

Delicious Combinations
The Luki Cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a glass of refreshing lemonade, bringing a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dessert. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an excellent choice to complete this delicate culinary experience.

In conclusion, the Luki Cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings joy and color to every celebration. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and let’s make every day a celebration!