Candle cake

Candle Cake: A Charming Dessert for Santa Claus

As the winter holidays approach, we all want to bring a bit of the season's magic to our tables. The Candle Cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a true culinary work of art, perfect for enjoying with family or giving as a gift to Santa Claus. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a splash of joy and color to your celebrations. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 7-8 candles

Necessary ingredients

*For the base:*
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 60 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 ml of milk
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

*For decoration:*
- White icing (preferably Dr. Oetker lemon flavor)
- Figs (cut in half)
- Peanuts (for the candle flame)

Step-by-step instructions

*Step 1: Preparing the base*

1. In a large bowl, start by beating the egg whites with the 3 tablespoons of cold water and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to achieve a stiff foam, which will aerate the base.
2. Gradually add the 3 egg yolks, continuously mixing with the mixer to incorporate air.
3. After adding the yolks, continue by incorporating the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy.
4. Turn off the mixer and use a spatula or wooden spoon to add the flour, incorporating it gradually. Mix with gentle bottom-up movements to avoid losing volume.
5. Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper and pour the batter evenly into the tray.
6. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature (about 180°C) and bake the base for 30 minutes. Check if it's baked by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

*Step 2: Preparing the cream*

1. In a saucepan, add the milk and flour. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, then let it cool completely.
2. In a separate bowl, cream the soft butter with the 5 tablespoons of sugar and lemon zest until it becomes a fluffy cream.
3. Add the cooled milk mixture to the butter mixture, continuing to mix. Finally, add the lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

*Step 3: Assembling the candles*

1. Once the base has cooled, cut out circles with a glass or ice cream scoop, depending on the desired size of the candles. Be creative! You can use different shapes to create candles of various sizes.
2. Spread a layer of cream on each disc of the base. It's recommended to use an average of 3 discs for each candle, but you can adjust according to your preferences.
3. After assembling the candles, pour the white icing over them. Make sure it is evenly distributed and covers each candle well.
4. To create the flame, take half a fig and place it on top of each candle. Then, add half a peanut in the middle of the fig. This will not only add an attractive look but also a crunchy texture.

*Step 4: Cooling and serving*

1. Place the candles in the refrigerator for a few hours, so the icing sets and the flavors meld.
2. Serve these candles with a warm tea or a fragrant coffee. You can present them on a beautiful platter to impress your guests.

Practical tips and variations

- If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add additional flavors to the cream, such as vanilla or almond essence.
- Instead of figs, you can use pieces of dried peaches or apricots to create a different look.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation to achieve a uniform composition.

Nutritional benefits

This cake, although sweet, contains beneficial ingredients: eggs provide protein, and lemon adds a splash of vitamin C. However, considering the sugar and butter, it is recommended to consume it in moderation. A serving of 7-8 candles offers approximately 200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- *Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?* Yes, but the texture will be different and the base will be denser.
- *How can I store the candles?* They store well in the fridge for a few days, but are best enjoyed fresh after assembly.
- *Can I use other types of icing?* Of course! A chocolate icing or caramel icing would add a different and delicious flavor.

This candle cake recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. Bringing together the flavors of fresh lemon and delicate textures, it is a perfect dessert to celebrate special moments. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and, most importantly, share these candles with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Base: 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons water, 6 tablespoons sugar, 6 tablespoons flour, 1 vanilla sugar. Cream: 60 g butter, 5 tablespoons sugar, 200 ml milk, 4 tablespoons flour, zest of one lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Decoration: white glaze, figs, peanuts.

 Tags:  for santa claus