Special cake

Special Cake with Berries and Cream Cheese

Introduction
Welcome to the sweet world of cakes! Today, I will share with you a special cake recipe that I lovingly prepared for my boyfriend's birthday. This cake is not just a dessert; it's a declaration of love, a perfect combination of fluffy sponge, delicious roll, and refreshing berry cream. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat someone dear, this cake will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 10-12

Ingredients
For the Sponge:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of sparkling water
- 7-8 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Roll:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 5-6 tablespoons of flour
- Zest of an orange
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Sour cherry jam (approximately 200g)

For the Cream:
- 250g mascarpone
- 300g cottage cheese (preferably creamier)
- 500g frozen berries
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 300g whipped cream (for decoration)
- 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla-flavored powdered sugar

Let's Start Cooking!
Step 1: Prep the Berries
Start by thawing the berries. Place them in a strainer and let them drain. This step is essential as it will prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Sponge
1. Separate the Eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the sugar and continue to mix until completely dissolved.
3. Add the Yolks: Incorporate the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Oil and Sparkling Water: Add the oil and sparkling water, mixing continuously.
5. Dry Ingredients: Finally, gradually add the baking powder, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake the Sponge: Prepare a round cake pan by greasing it with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. Perform a toothpick test to check if it's done.

Step 3: Prepare the Roll
1. Whip the Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until foamy.
2. Add the Other Ingredients: Add the yolks, oil, and milk, mixing well. Then, add the orange zest, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and flour.
3. Bake the Roll: Line a larger baking tray with parchment paper, pour in the batter, and bake for 15 minutes at the same temperature.
4. Roll the Cake: Once done, remove the roll from the oven and roll it up while warm, wrapping it in parchment paper. Let it cool.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream
1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone, cottage cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the Berries: Slowly fold in the thawed berries, being careful not to crush them too much.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake
1. Soak the Sponge: In the juice drained from the berries, add 4-5 tablespoons of water and a tablespoon of powdered sugar to create a syrup. Soak the sponge with this syrup.
2. Slice the Roll: Cut the cooled roll into slices.
3. Arrange the Cake: In a springform pan, place plastic wrap, add the first layer of sponge, and soak it. Arrange the roll slices around the edges and fill the center with the berry cream. Soak the second layer and cut it to fit over the berry cream.
4. Finish the Cake: Spread more cream on top until it is level with the sponge layer. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours.

Step 6: Decoration
1. Whip the Cream: Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla-flavored sugar.
2. Decorate the Cake: Cover the cake with a generous layer of whipped cream and decorate as desired. You can add fresh berries, grated chocolate, or coconut flakes for a festive look.

Practical Tip
To achieve a perfect cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as temperature fluctuations can affect the sponge's texture.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake not only looks spectacular but is also packed with nutrients. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while cottage cheese provides essential proteins. The cake is a healthier choice compared to other desserts, with a moderate sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with different fruits, such as peaches, strawberries, or mangoes.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

3. Can I substitute the mascarpone?
Yes, you can use ricotta cheese or a lower-fat cottage cheese variant.

Serving and Pairings
This cake is perfect served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit compote would make a delicious combination. Serve it as a dessert after an elegant dinner or at a birthday party to impress your guests.

In the end, I hope this special cake recipe brings much joy and smiles to your life and those of your loved ones. I look forward to hearing your stories about how the cake turned out! Happy birthday to my love and to everyone celebrating their special day during this time!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons mineral water, 7-8 tablespoons flour, 1 baking powder, 1 vanilla essence. For the roll: 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons milk, 5-6 tablespoons flour, grated orange peel, 1 baking powder, 1 packet vanilla sugar, sour cherry jam. Cream: 250g mascarpone, 300g creamy cottage cheese, 500g frozen berries, 1 vanilla essence, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 6 tablespoons powdered sugar, 300g whipping cream for decoration, 5 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla-flavored powdered sugar.

 Tags:  cheesecake