Dessert cake March 8

Heart-shaped cake with soaked sponge, chocolate and coffee cream, whipped cream, and wafer flowers

If you are looking for a dessert that brings joy and warmth to the hearts of your loved ones, this heart-shaped cake is the perfect choice. Ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or simply to pamper your family, this cake combines delicate textures and intense flavors, creating a true feast for the senses.

Preparation time: 40 min
Baking time: 30 min
Total time: 1h 10 min
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 5 eggs + 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 150 ml oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 6 tablespoons flour

For the chocolate cream:
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons (heaped) flour
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 100 g butter
- A few squares of coffee chocolate

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Juice from half an orange
- 1 tablespoon orange zest

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Wafer flowers and sugar candies (from Dr. Oetker)
- A little melted chocolate

Preparation:

1. Prepare the sponge: Start by separating the eggs. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and lemon juice until you get a firm foam. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy texture for the sponge. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the foam becomes shiny and holds well. Then, incorporate the egg yolks, oil, baking powder, and flour. Mix carefully to maintain the aeration of the mixture.

2. Bake the sponge: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (make sure it is heart-shaped for a lovely appearance) and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 30 minutes until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely on a rack.

3. Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup has cooled, it is ready to use.

4. The chocolate cream: In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla sugar, and flour. Gradually add the warm milk, stirring constantly. Place the saucepan over low heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, add the butter and coffee chocolate, mixing until smooth. Let the cream cool.

5. Assembling the cake: Cut the sponge into two layers, ensuring the base is thicker than the top. Trim the edges to give a heart shape. Soak each layer with the orange syrup, then add part of the chocolate cream on the first layer. You can use the leftover sponge (cut into cubes) to add volume and texture. Place the second sponge layer on top and complete with the remaining cream.

6. Decorating the cake: Whip the liquid cream with a mixer on low speed until it becomes creamy but not too stiff. Use the cream to decorate the cake, adding wafer flowers and sugar candies for a festive look. If desired, you can drizzle a little melted chocolate on top for an elegant finish.

7. Cooling: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This step will help firm up the cream and intensify the flavors.

Helpful tips:
- You can customize this cake by adding extra flavors to the chocolate cream, such as a splash of rum or vanilla essence.
- If you want to make it even more special, you can add fresh fruits between the layers of cream, such as raspberries or strawberries.
- The cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, which will highlight the chocolate and orange flavors.

Nutritional benefits: This cake, although an indulgent dessert, contains natural ingredients such as eggs, milk, and chocolate, providing a source of protein and antioxidants. The use of orange juice adds vitamin C, while sunflower oil brings essential fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of coffee chocolate? Yes, you can adapt the recipe to your preferences.
- How can I keep the cake fresh longer? I recommend storing it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and flavors.

This heart-shaped cake is not just a visual delight but also an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to pamper someone dear, it is sure to bring smiles and joy. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for the sponge cake we need: 5 eggs + 2 egg whites 1 tablespoon lemon juice a pinch of salt 4 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon Bourbon vanilla sugar 150 ml oil 1 packet baking powder 6 tablespoons flour for the chocolate cream: 2 egg yolks 300 ml milk 3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons (heaped) flour 1 tablespoon Bourbon vanilla sugar 100 g butter a few squares of chocolate with coffee for the syrup: 250 ml water 3 tablespoons sugar juice from half an orange 1 tablespoon orange zest for decoration: 200 ml liquid cream wafer flowers and Dr. Oetker sugar candies a little chocolate

 Tags:  dessert cake march 8 desert cake march eggs flour oil milk chocolate orange whipped cream