Berry cake
Berry Cake – A Sweet and Aromatic Delight
If you're looking for a delicious and impressive dessert, this berry cake is the perfect choice! It's a recipe that combines a fluffy sponge with a smooth vanilla cream and a generous topping of berries, which not only looks spectacular but is also a true feast for the taste buds. Although I initially planned a different recipe, improvisation is the key to creativity in the kitchen, and the final result can only delight us.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients needed
For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Juice from compote (approximately 100 ml)
For the cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 800 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons sugar for pudding
- 50 g butter
- 250 g whipped cream
- 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (approximately 10 g) + 2 tablespoons sugar
For decoration:
- 1 packet of red gelatin (approximately 10 g)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 250 ml water
- 450 g frozen berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the fruit)
For garnish:
- 150 g whipped cream (unsweetened, to balance the sweetness of the cake)
Preparing the cake
1. Thawing the fruit: Start by removing the berries from the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature to thaw. This step is essential as the fruit will add flavor and moisture to the cake.
2. Preparing the sponge:
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm meringue.
- In another bowl, beat the yolks and add them to the egg whites, gently folding them in.
- Sift the flour and baking powder, then fold them into the egg mixture with gentle movements to preserve the air in the egg whites.
- Grease a cake pan with butter and dust with flour. Pour the sponge mixture into the pan and level it out.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35-40 minutes or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan.
3. Preparing the cream:
- In a saucepan, prepare the pudding according to the package instructions, using 800 ml of milk and 5 tablespoons of sugar. Once the pudding is ready, remove it from the heat and add the butter, stirring well until completely melted. Allow it to cool.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions, letting it cool slightly.
- Whip the cream until firm. In the cooled pudding, incorporate the gelatin and the whipped cream, gently mixing until you have a smooth cream.
4. Assembling the cake:
- Cut the sponge into two or three layers. Soak each layer with a little compote juice to add moisture.
- Spread 3/4 of the cream on the first layer of sponge, then add the second layer. Continue with the remaining cream on the top layer.
- Prepare the red gelatin according to the package instructions, using the drained juice from the berries and adding water until you reach 250 ml. Add the berries to the cooled gelatin and mix well.
- Pour the fruit gelatin over the cream of the cake, leveling the surface well.
- Decorate with whipped cream to taste and let the cake cool in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight).
Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing the cake to achieve a uniform texture.
- If you want a more aromatic cake, you can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the pudding cream.
- You can vary the berries according to your preferences. For example, fresh strawberries or peaches can be an excellent choice for a summer cake.
Pairing with other recipes and drinks:
This berry cake pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine or a cold green tea. It can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a perfect contrast of flavors.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 4 g
The berry cake is not just a dessert, but also a story of creativity and adaptability in the kitchen. So, don't hesitate to experiment and add a personal touch to your recipe! Whether it's for a birthday, a party, or just a gathering with friends, this cake will surely be the star of the table. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent around the table!
Ingredients: BASE: 6 eggs, 150 g sugar, 150 g flour, 1 baking powder, juice from compote CREAM: 2 packets vanilla pudding, 800 ml milk, 5 tablespoons sugar for pudding, 50 g butter, 250 g whipped cream, 1 packet white gelatin (+2 tablespoons sugar) DECORATION: 1 packet red gelatin, 2 tablespoons sugar, 250 ml water, 450 g frozen berries (+2 tablespoons sugar) GARNISH: 150 g whipped cream
