Zebra Cake with Cheese

Zebra Cake with Cheese - An Irresistible Delight

The Zebra Cake with cheese is a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds. This recipe not only offers a delicious taste but also a spectacular appearance, characterized by contrasting layers of white cream and chocolate, reminiscent of the famous striped animal. It is perfect for special occasions, as well as for moments when you want to indulge yourself. I will guide you through the steps, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients, so you can achieve a perfect cake every time.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 3 large eggs
- 75 g sugar
- 1 packet of chocolate pudding powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 90 g flour

For the cream:
- 10 sheets of gelatin
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 250 ml milk
- 750 g sweet cheese or Ricotta
- Juice of one lemon
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa

For decoration:
- Chocolate sticks
- Cocoa whipped cream

Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Preparing the Base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another.

2. Beating the yolks: Add 3 tablespoons of hot water over the yolks. This step helps activate the sugar. Beat with a mixer until creamy.

3. Adding dry ingredients: In that bowl, add the granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, flour, chocolate pudding powder, and baking powder. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step will give the base a fluffy texture. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air from the meringue.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper (only on the bottom) and bake at 190 degrees Celsius for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it is baked: if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

6. Cooling: Let the base cool completely in the pan, then carefully remove it.

Preparing the Cream

1. Preparing the gelatin: Start by hydrating the gelatin sheets in cold water, according to the instructions on the package.

2. Boiling the yolks: In a saucepan, combine the yolks with sugar and milk. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until it reaches boiling point. Remove from heat and add the well-squeezed gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved.

3. Adding the cheese: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the sweet cheese (or Ricotta) and lemon juice. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Incorporating the whipped cream: Whip the cream until it becomes firm, then divide it into two equal portions. In one half, add the cocoa and mix well.

Assembling the Cake

1. Preparing the mold: Place the cooled base on a serving plate and surround it with a cake ring. Make sure it is well sealed to avoid leaks.

2. Adding the creams: Start adding the white cream by pouring a ladle in the center of the base. Then, add a ladle of the chocolate cream on top, continuing this way until all the cream quantities are used up.

3. Cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to set well.

Decorating the Cake

After the cake has cooled, carefully remove the ring and decorate it with chocolate sticks and cocoa whipped cream. You can also add fresh fruits or chocolate shavings for an even more appealing appearance.

Useful Tip

An important detail is to ensure that the ring is well sealed; otherwise, the cream may leak around the base, and the stripes will not be uniform. If you notice that the cream is leaking, you can use plastic wrap around the ring to prevent any mishaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mascarpone or Philadelphia, but adjust the amount of sugar according to their sweetness.

2. What can I use instead of gelatin? If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar, but make sure to follow the usage instructions.

3. How can I store the cake? The Zebra Cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Delicious Combinations

The Zebra Cake with cheese pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can splendidly complement this dessert, bringing a pleasant contrast of temperatures.

Personal Variation

A delicious variation you can try is to add some dark chocolate pieces to the chocolate cream for a more intense flavor. You can also replace the cocoa with chili-flavored cocoa for a surprising twist!

The Zebra Cake with cheese is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that deserves to be savored and shared with loved ones. So, put on your apron and get ready to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!