Candied Cake

Candied Cake – A Delicacy with Candied Fruits and Cocoa Cream

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will prepare a special recipe for candied cake, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will bring a smile to anyone's face. This cake is ideal for holidays or special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed on ordinary days to add a touch of joy to our routine.

The Candied Cake is distinguished by its layers of airy sponge, candied fruits, and a rich cocoa cream, all covered with a fine glaze. Let's get started!

The History of Candied Cake

Candied fruit cakes have a long history, proudly prepared in numerous culinary cultures. These delicacies are often associated with festive moments and celebrations, having the gift of bringing people together around the table. The ingredients used, such as nuts and candied fruits, reflect the richness of culinary traditions and the ingredients available in different seasons.

Necessary Ingredients

Sponge 1:
- 5 egg whites
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 150 g of candied fruits (raisins, orange peel, figs, apricots, etc.)
- 100 g of Turkish delight (chopped)
- 50 g of nuts (chopped or ground)

Sponge 2:
- 5 whole eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour

Cream:
- 5 egg yolks
- 3 whole eggs
- 250 g of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 300 g of butter (at room temperature)

Glaze:
- 150 g of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 3 tablespoons of water

Step by Step: Preparing the Candied Cake

Step 1: Preparing the First Sponge
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until frothy and firm. This step will give the cake a light and airy texture.
2. Gradually add the 7 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes shiny and forms stiff peaks.
3. Fold in the 5 tablespoons of flour, sifting it to avoid lumps. Use a spatula to gently mix, so you don't deflate the mixture.
4. Add the candied fruits, chopped Turkish delight, and nuts. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan (lined with parchment paper) and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. The sponge is ready when it springs back slightly to the touch and pulls away from the edges of the pan.
6. Let it cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Second Sponge
1. In another bowl, beat the 5 whole eggs with 5 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
2. Add the 5 tablespoons of flour and mix well, being careful not to form lumps.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake at the same temperature (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and pulling away from the edges.
4. Let it cool and cut into two layers.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream
1. In a saucepan, mix the 5 egg yolks and the 3 whole eggs with 250 g of sugar and 4 tablespoons of cocoa.
2. Place the saucepan over a double boiler and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it becomes a thick cream. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Once the cream has thickened, let it cool completely.
4. Once cooled, gradually add the 300 g of butter, beating with a mixer until you achieve a fluffy and smooth cream.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Place one of the sponge layers on a serving platter.
2. Spread some of the cream evenly over the first sponge.
3. Place the sponge with candied fruits on top and cover with the remaining cream.
4. Add the second sponge layer on top.

Step 5: Preparing the Glaze
1. In a bowl, mix well 150 g of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, and the 3 tablespoons of water until you obtain a smooth paste.
2. Pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to gently drip down the sides for a decorative effect.

Serving and Suggestions
The Candied Cake can be enjoyed plain or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a flavored tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The candied fruits provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, while the nuts add healthy fats. However, we should be mindful of the amount of sugar and butter used, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the candied fruits with others?
Yes, you can use your favorite candied fruits or even fresh fruits, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar.

2. What type of flour is best for this sponge?
Regular wheat flour is perfect, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh for longer?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

Possible Variations
- Candied Cake with chocolate: Add melted dark chocolate to the cream for an extra flavor.
- Candied Cake with berries: Replace the candied fruits with fresh berries for a tart flavor.
- Vegan Candied Cake: Use flax eggs for the sponges and a vegan alternative for the butter.

Conclusion
The Candied Cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, offering a refined taste and a beautiful presentation. With a little patience and love, you will create a dessert that will impress everyone. Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and share the result with your loved ones! Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Base 1: 5 egg whites, 7 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, candied fruits (raisins, orange peel, figs, apricots, etc.) Base 2: 5 whole eggs, 5 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, Cream: 5 egg yolks, 3 whole eggs, 250 g sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa, 300 g butter Glaze: 150 g powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 3 tablespoons water