Christmas Cake

Merry Christmas to everyone! Today I invite you to prepare a seductive cake, perfect for the winter holidays, that will bring joy to your tables. This cake with white sponge cake and yogurt cream with strawberries is easy to make, and the final result will surely impress everyone. Let's start this culinary adventure together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients for the sponge cake:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 5 tablespoons of sifted flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the cream:
- 400 g plain yogurt
- 400 g whipped cream
- 500 g mixed strawberries (can be frozen)
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 packets of gelatin granules
- 10 tablespoons cold water

Ingredients for the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the sponge cake
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. It's essential to have the oven well preheated to achieve a fluffy and well-risen cake.
2. Separate the eggs: put the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another.
3. In the bowl with egg whites, add a pinch of salt and beat them with a mixer until stiff peaks form. When you lift the whisk, the foam should remain firm.
4. In the bowl with yolks, add 4 tablespoons of oil and 4 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites. Use a spatula to gently fold in, using up-and-down motions to keep the air in the egg whites.
6. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and add it in a rain-like fashion, mixing gently until fully incorporated.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased (20 cm diameter) cake pan or lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan, then remove it and cut it in half horizontally.

Step 2: Preparing the delicious cream
1. In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt with the whipped cream. Use a spatula to gently combine these ingredients.
2. In another bowl, blend the strawberries with 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 2 packets of vanilla sugar. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely before blending.
3. Hydrate the gelatin in 10 tablespoons of cold water for 5-10 minutes. Then, melt it in a double boiler, stirring constantly until it becomes liquid.
4. Pour the melted gelatin over the strawberry mixture, then add this mixture to the bowl with yogurt and whipped cream. Gently mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Place the first half of the sponge cake on a platter or cake stand. This will be the delicious base of the cake.
2. Prepare the syrup: in a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
3. Soak the sponge cake with some of the prepared syrup, ensuring it is well moistened.
4. Pour the yogurt and strawberry cream over the soaked sponge cake, leveling it evenly.
5. Place the second half of the sponge cake on top and soak it as well.
6. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the cream to set.

Step 4: Decorating the cake
Once the cake has cooled well and the cream has set, it's time to decorate it! You can frost it with whipped cream or fondant, depending on your preferences. A lovely idea is to add fresh fruits on top, such as whole strawberries or raspberries, for a festive look. You can also use chocolate flakes or crushed nuts to add a crunchy touch.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate the mixing process.
- The gelatin must be completely dissolved to avoid lumps in the cream.
- Instead of strawberries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or blueberries, to create delicious variations of the cream.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt, but make sure it's not too sweet, as the cream will be sweetened.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can be consumed for up to 3 days.

3. Can I replace gelatin with another ingredient?
Yes, if you want a vegan version, you can use agar-agar as a thickening agent.

4. What goes well with this cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet white wine, enhancing the fruity flavors of the cream.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A slice of cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This cake provides a good source of protein from yogurt and whipped cream, as well as vitamins from fresh fruits. It is a lighter choice than other heavy holiday desserts, yet just as delicious!

I conclude this recipe with the hope that you will create wonderful moments around the table with your loved ones, enjoying every slice of this festive cake. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400 g plain yogurt, 400 g whipped cream, 500 g mixed strawberries (I had them in the freezer), 6 tablespoons powdered sugar, 3 packets of gelatin granules, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, one white cake layer (sponge cake), syrup made from one cup of water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 packets of vanilla sugar.

 Tags:  christmas cake