Carnival Cake

The "Carnival" cake is a delicacy that brings together inviting flavors and a fluffy texture, perfect for indulging loved ones. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true feast for the senses, featuring a fine base and a spiced pumpkin filling, all culminating in a shiny jelly.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 30 ml oil
- A dash of vanilla extract

For the filling and jelly:
- Approximately 750 g spiced pumpkin, diced
- 150 g sugar (for the filling)
- 4-5 star anise
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)
- 2 packets of cake gel (for the jelly)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the base. In a large bowl, add the egg whites from the 5 eggs along with a pinch of salt. Whisk them well until they form a foam. Gradually add 150 g of sugar, continuing to whisk until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue. It is important to use a clean bowl and ensure that no pieces of egg white remain unwhipped.

2. In another bowl, beat the yolks with 30 ml of oil and the vanilla extract. Once the mixture is homogeneous, carefully fold it into the meringue, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Sifting the flour is an essential step! Add the flour gradually, mixing gently with the spatula until everything is combined. Don’t rush; a light yet well-made mixture will ensure a fluffy base.

4. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200°C for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the base is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

5. Once baked, let the base cool in the tray for a few minutes, then carefully remove it from the baking paper and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin filling. Place the diced pumpkin in a pot, add 150 g of sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and 100 ml of water. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin becomes tender.

7. After the pumpkin is cooked, drain it from the remaining syrup and let it cool. Now it's time to prepare the gelatin: hydrate the packet of gelatin in 100 ml of cold water, then melt it in a double boiler. Add the cooked pumpkin and mix well, ensuring the gelatin is evenly incorporated.

8. Assemble the cake: place the first half of the base on a serving platter. Pour the pumpkin mixture with gelatin on top and level it out. Carefully place the second half of the base on top, gently pressing down to secure it.

9. Prepare the jelly: use the leftover liquid from the cooked pumpkin, dissolve the cake gel packets according to the instructions on the package, then bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the hot jelly over the cake, ensuring it spreads evenly.

10. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it cool in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, to set well.

Personal note: A delicious suggestion is to serve the "Carnival" cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream, for a perfect contrast between warm and cold.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a fluffy base.
- If you want a more aromatic version, you can add a bit of grated ginger to the pumpkin filling.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavor intensifies the next day.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake provides a supply of vitamins from pumpkin, which is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. It also contains carbohydrates from sugar and flour, providing energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin can be a more convenient choice, but make sure to choose one without additives or added sugar.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or base is an option. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

- Can I replace gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?
Sure! You can use agar-agar instead of gelatin, being careful to follow the instructions on its package.

Delicious pairings:
The "Carnival" cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a sweet wine or champagne could add an elegant touch to this delightful dessert.

So, get ready to enjoy a cake that not only impresses with its appearance but also with its extraordinary taste! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: dough;5 eggs,150 g sugar,150 g flour,a pinch of salt,30 ml oil,a drop of vanilla essence filling and jelly;a deep plate of aromatic pumpkin pie,cut into small cubes,about 750 g sugar,4-5 star anise, a pinch of cinnamon,a packet of gelatin(10 g),2 packets of cake jelly