Cake Base

Cake Topping - Basic recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10

The journey into the world of baking often starts with a perfect pastry. This cake topper is a simple, yet versatile recipe that can be the base for lots of delicious cakes. One of the best things about making a cake topper is that everyone can add a personal touch to each recipe, turning an ordinary dessert into a masterpiece.

The history of the cake topping is fascinating, with deep roots in pastry traditions. Plateaux have evolved over the centuries, from simple flour and water combinations to the most exquisite desserts. This recipe combines classic techniques with basic ingredients for an easy and tasty result.

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or rapeseed)
- 1 cup sugar (about 200 g)
- 1 cup flour (about 120 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- zest of one lemon

Prepare the pastry:

1. Prepare ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they beat better. Also, prepare a pan (preferably 24 cm in diameter) that you will grease with oil and line with flour. This will prevent the pastry from sticking, ensuring you can easily remove it after baking.

2. Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until a glossy meringue forms. This step is essential to get a fluffy batter, so make sure the sugar is completely broken down and the meringue is firm.

3. Adding the yolks: In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the oil until smooth. This will add moisture and a smooth texture to the batter. Add the lemon zest, which will give a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the sugar.

4. Combining the ingredients: Start folding the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula. Gradually stir in the sifted flour with the baking powder, stirring gently so as not to lose the air in the egg whites. It is important to use a gentle folding motion, from top to bottom, to keep the texture airy.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan-assisted oven) and insert the tray. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Do not open the oven door for the first 20 minutes to prevent the temperature from dropping.

6. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. So, you have a perfect, fluffy and flavorful cake, ready to be decorated!

Practical tips:
- You can replace the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa to the flour for a chocolatey chocolatey fudge.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as vanilla or almond, to liven up the flavor of the cake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the tray?
- Make sure you grease the pan well with oil and dust with flour. You can use baking paper for extra safety.

2. Can I use this cake topper for cream cakes?
- Absolutely! This top is perfect to be filled with various creams or fruits.

3. How long can I keep the cake?
- The cake keeps well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or can be frozen for up to a month.

Delicious combinations:
This shortcake can be combined with a wide range of fillings, from chocolate and vanilla creams to fresh fruit or jam. A great option would be to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a quick and elegant dessert. You can also enjoy this cake with a cup of tea or flavored coffee for a moment of indulgence.

Calorie calculation and nutritional benefits:
This cake topper contains about 200 calories per serving, providing a balance of carbohydrates and protein from eggs. Sugar adds sweetness, but being a dessert, it's best enjoyed in moderation. Lemon zest not only adds flavor, but also provides vitamin C, benefiting the immune system.

Possible variations:
Instead of lemon, you can use orange or lime to experiment with different flavors. The topping can also be enriched with chopped nuts or chocolate chunks, adding a crunchy texture.

Now that you've got all the information you need, get to work! Make this delicious cake topper and let your creativity shine by customizing it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake topper is sure to impress. Enjoy!