Tree trunk

Cake "Tree Trunk" - a delight that will enchant your senses

If you are looking for a cake that impresses both in appearance and taste, you have found the perfect recipe! The "Tree Trunk" cake is a refined dessert with a slightly moist texture and a velvety glaze, promising to become the star of any meal. Although the preparation process may seem meticulous, the final result will surely be worth every minute spent. This recipe is lovingly served by my daughter, and we hope it inspires you in your culinary adventures!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

- 5 large eggs
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Zest of one lemon and one orange (for a fresh taste)
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g flour
- 50 g cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- Breadcrumbs for lining the pan

*Glaze:*

- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon of rum (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your workspace. Make sure the butter is soft for easy incorporation into the mixture. I recommend taking the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start.

2. Beat the egg yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks from the 5 eggs and the granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture at medium speed until it doubles in volume and becomes a fluffy cream.

3. Add the flavors: At this stage, add the vanilla sugar and the zest of the lemon and orange. These ingredients will add a delicious fragrance to your cake. Continue mixing to incorporate the flavors.

4. Incorporate the butter: Add the soft butter to the egg yolk mixture and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and cornstarch into a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. This step is important to avoid lumps.

6. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will give the cake a fluffier texture. Be careful not to overbeat them, as they may become dry.

7. Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, adding them gradually and mixing gently from top to bottom to preserve the air in the mixture.

8. Prepare the pan: Grease a small cake pan with butter and line it with breadcrumbs. This will prevent the cake from sticking. It is essential to use a small-sized pan for optimal results.

9. Baking: Pour about 3-4 tablespoons of batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Bake at a low temperature (about 160-170°C) for 3-4 minutes until the surface of the cake turns golden. Remove the pan from the oven and repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding 3-4 tablespoons for each layer.

10. Cooling and glazing: Once you have finished baking all the layers, let the cake cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze: melt the chocolate in a double boiler along with the butter and mix until smooth. If desired, you can add rum for extra flavor. Pour the warm glaze over the cake and let it set.

11. Serving: Once the glaze has set, remove the cake from the pan and cut it into slices. Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee to complete the tasting experience.

Practical tips:

- Share the moment: If you want to take more pictures to capture the process, I encourage you to invite helpers! Cooking becomes more fun when shared.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa to the batter or mixing various essences (e.g., almond) instead of vanilla.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. I recommend taking it out about 30 minutes before serving to restore its texture.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use quail eggs? Yes, you can replace chicken eggs with quail eggs. You will need about 15 quail eggs to equal 5 large eggs.
- Can I substitute butter with a vegan alternative? Of course! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter to keep the recipe vegan.
- How do I know when the cake is baked? Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean from the center, the cake is done.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake contains nutritious ingredients, such as eggs, which are an excellent source of protein and vitamins. Butter, although high in calories, provides healthy fats, and the addition of citrus zest contributes antioxidants.

Enjoy this "Tree Trunk" cake and let your imagination soar! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat your family, it will surely become a favorite with every bite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 5 eggs, 100g sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon and orange zest, 100g soft butter, 50g flour, 50g cornstarch, a pinch of salt and breadcrumbs for the mold. Glaze: 150g cooking chocolate, 50g butter, rum.

 Tags:  tree trunk cake roll