Milk Slice

The cake I will present today is a true delight for the taste buds, a perfect combination of a soft base and a delicate cream that melts in your mouth. It is the ideal cake for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive dessert. With a total preparation time of about 4 hours (including 3 hours of cooling), this recipe yields 12 delicious servings, perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture.

A little story about the cake
This cake has origins that date back in time, being a beloved dessert for many generations. It is known by various names, but its essence remains the same: an irresistible combination of simple ingredients that transforms into a culinary masterpiece. Whether we serve it at a birthday party or as a personal treat after a long day, this cake always brings smiles and moments of joy.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 80 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 20 ml milk
- 100 ml oil (choose sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 2 tablespoons fine semolina
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (use high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 200 g condensed milk (look for low-sugar options for a less sweet dessert)
- 200 ml whipped cream (ideally well chilled for better whipping)
- 100 ml milk
- 50 g honey
- 1 packet whipped cream stabilizer
- 6 g gelatin
- 30 ml cold water (for hydrating the gelatin)
- 2-3 drops vanilla essence

Necessary utensils
- Baking tray (36/24 cm)
- Baking paper
- Mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Small pot for melting the gelatin

Preparation method

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Put the egg whites in a clean bowl and the yolks in another bowl.

2. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt over the egg whites and start beating them with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. This step is essential to give the base a fluffy texture.

3. Preparing the yolk cream: In the bowl with the yolks, add the sugar and vanilla sugar, then mix well until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. Add the milk, oil, and honey, mixing gently until combined.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, semolina, cocoa, and baking powder. Add this mixture over the yolk cream and mix with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

5. Incorporating the egg whites: Using the spatula, gradually fold in the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, mixing gently to keep the air in the base.

6. Baking the bases: Divide the mixture into two equal parts and pour it into the baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until the base passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Hydrating the gelatin: In a small bowl, add the gelatin to cold water and let it hydrate for 10 minutes.

2. Dissolving the gelatin: After the gelatin has hydrated, heat it in a bain-marie or double boiler, stirring gently until it completely dissolves. Add 50 ml of milk and mix well.

3. Preparing the cream: In a large bowl, combine the condensed milk, the remaining milk, honey, and vanilla essence. Whip the cream until it becomes firm, then add the whipped cream stabilizer and mix well.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the dissolved gelatin to the condensed milk mixture, mixing quickly. Then, fold in the whipped cream, mixing gently with the spatula to achieve an airy cream.

5. Cooling the cream: Place the cream in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Assembling the cake: Place the first layer of the base on a platter or tray. Pour the cream over it, spreading it evenly across the surface.

2. Covering: Add the second layer of the base on top of the cream, pressing gently to secure it.

3. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it refrigerate for 3 hours or even longer if you have patience. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will intensify.

Serving and suggestions
After the cake has been in the refrigerator and set, cut it into portions and enjoy it alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fragrant tea. It is equally delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh seasonal fruits.

Useful tips
- How to choose ingredients: Choose quality ingredients, especially cocoa and oil, to achieve a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the base mixture for added texture. Additionally, replacing honey with maple syrup or agave can provide an interesting flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can plant-based milk be used?* Yes, almond or soy milk are excellent alternatives.
- *How can I store the cake?* It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only a delight but also contains ingredients that can provide benefits. Eggs are a good source of protein, and honey offers a natural alternative to refined sugar. Additionally, whipped cream can provide a calcium boost, important for bone health.

Calories
A serving of this cake will have approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

This cake is more than just a dessert – it is a culinary experience that brings people together and creates unforgettable moments. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy every step of the cooking process! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the base: 4 eggs, 80 g sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 20 ml milk, 100 ml oil, 2 tablespoons finely ground semolina, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt. Ingredients for the cream: 200 g condensed milk, 200 ml whipped cream, 100 ml milk, 50 g honey, 1 packet whipping cream stabilizer, 6 g gelatin, 2-3 drops vanilla essence.

 Tags:  milk slice