Zumzarel Cake

Zumzarel Cake: A Sweet Delicacy in the Shape of a Bee

A cake that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones, the Zumzarel Cake is an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a party, or simply a delicious dessert for a weekend evening. With a soft and fluffy base, a delightful cream, and a playful decoration, this cake will surely become the star of the table. Let's explore together how to make this wonder step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 5 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Grated lemon zest
- Vanilla and rum essences

*For the cream:*
- 500 g sweet cheese (we recommend Dr. Oetker brand)
- 200 g soft butter (with 82% fat)
- 200 g powdered vanilla sugar
- 150 g whipped cream

*For the syrup:*
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- Rum essence

*For decoration:*
- 150 g whipped cream
- Dark chocolate chips
- Yellow coconut
- White and dark chocolate (for details)

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for a perfect base. It is recommended to prepare a 24 cm diameter springform pan, lined with baking paper.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until completely dissolved. The egg whites should be shiny and form stiff peaks.

3. Mixing the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the oil until they become a homogeneous and slightly frothy mixture. Add the lemon zest and the rum and vanilla essences.

4. Combining the ingredients: Carefully add the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Then, add the flour, baking powder, and cocoa, gently mixing from the edges to the center.

5. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the base cool on a rack.

Preparing the Cream

1. Beating the butter: In a bowl, beat the soft butter with the powdered vanilla sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. This step is essential for obtaining a fine texture.

2. Adding the cheese: Incorporate the sweet cheese into the butter mixture, gently mixing with a spatula. Ensure there are no lumps.

3. Incorporating the whipped cream: Finally, add the whipped cream and gently mix to retain air and achieve a light cream.

Preparing the Syrup

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it, as the bitter taste will transfer to the syrup.

2. Adding the water: Extinguish the caramel with water (be careful of steam) and mix until completely dissolved. Add the rum essence and let it cool.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the base: Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into three equal parts using a long, sharp knife.

2. Soaking the layers: Use the rum syrup to soak each layer of the base, making it moist and flavorful.

3. Adding the cream: Spread a generous layer of cream on each base, ensuring that the last layer is placed with the rounded side facing up.

4. Covering the cake: Cover the cake with an even layer of whipped cream, then sprinkle yellow coconut on top for a cheerful appearance.

5. Decorating: Use chocolate chips to create stripes on the cake, and for the bee's antennas, melt chocolate and pour it onto a sheet of baking paper, forming the desired shapes. The bee's head can be made from white chocolate, outlined with dark chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

The Zumzarel Cake is served with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee, for a perfect contrast between sweet and bitter. It is also a wonderful dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a berry compote.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Zumzarel Cake contains approximately 350 calories, making it an indulgent yet flavorful choice. The sweet cheese and butter provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the cocoa brings antioxidants, thus offering a nutritional benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture. Make sure it is well drained.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend decorating it after thawing to maintain its aesthetic appearance.

4. What other decoration options can I try?
You can use fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, or even nuts and almonds for a crunchy appearance.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The Zumzarel Cake is a recipe that will bring joy and delight at any moment, being a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Let your creativity flow and enjoy every step of making this delicious dessert. Enjoy!