Cake in 4 colors
The Four-Color Cake is a delicacy that combines textures and flavors, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a splash of color into your life, thanks to its irresistible layers. Let's explore together how to prepare this delicious cake, step by step, with useful tips and information about the ingredients!
Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 servings
Ingredients:
Cocoa base:
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder (Dr. Oetker)
Nut sheets (2 sheets):
Each sheet:
- 2 egg whites
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
Cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 500 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons starch (Gustin, Dr. Oetker)
- vanilla essence (Dr. Oetker)
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 100 g walnut kernels
Glaze:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- chocolate sauce (store-bought)
Brief history:
The Four-Color Cake is a classic recipe inspired by the tradition of baking layered desserts, where each component adds not only flavor but also a distinct texture. This cake is often associated with festive moments, bringing family and friends together around a table full of treats.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the cocoa base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
- In another bowl, beat the yolks with the oil until you get a smooth paste.
- Gently fold the yolks into the beaten egg whites from the bottom up to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then gradually add them to the mixture, continuing to mix gently.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray (20x30 cm) lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it is cooked (if it comes out clean, it’s done).
- After baking, let the base cool on a rack.
2. Preparing the nut sheets:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C again. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then add the sugar and continue mixing until you get a glossy mixture.
- Add the ground walnuts and gently mix with a spatula. Finally, fold in the flour.
- Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack. Repeat the process for the second sheet.
3. Preparing the cream:
- In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla essence. Add 400 ml of milk and mix well.
- Dissolve the starch in the remaining 100 ml of milk. Heat the milk mixture, and when it starts to boil, add the starch, stirring continuously until it thickens.
- Let the cream cool completely, then fold in the whipped cream and the ground walnut kernels.
4. Assembling the cake:
- On a platter, place one sheet of nuts, followed by half of the cream. Add the cocoa base, the remaining cream, and then another nut sheet.
- On top, decorate with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, if desired.
Practical tips:
- It is essential to respect the order of the ingredients to achieve a perfect consistency. The beaten egg whites should be firm and glossy.
- Replace walnuts with almonds for a different but equally delicious variant.
- You can add some pieces of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, to the cream for a fresh touch.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to assemble it just before serving.
2. Can I use plant-based milk?
Sure! Plant-based milk works perfectly in this recipe, providing a slightly different but equally tasty flavor.
3. How can I replace sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives, but adjust the quantity based on the desired sweetness.
Nutritional information:
This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and nuts, providing a good intake of healthy fats. It is an excellent choice for a sweet snack, but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.
Serving suggestions:
The Four-Color Cake pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a flavored tea. Additionally, a glass of cold milk is always a good choice to complement this delicacy.
Variants:
- Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the cocoa base for a more intense flavor.
- Replace the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Savor every bite of this cake and enjoy the cooking moment! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the Four-Color Cake will surely win you over!
Ingredients: COCOA BASE 2 eggs a pinch of salt 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon cocoa 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 packet baking powder Dr.Oetker NUT SHEETS (2) Each Sheet: 2 egg whites a pinch of salt 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons ground walnuts half a tablespoon of flour CREAM: 4 egg yolks 5 tablespoons sugar 500 ml milk 5 tablespoons cornstarch Gustin(Dr.Oetker) vanilla essence Dr.Oetker 250 ml liquid cream 100 g walnut kernels GLAZE: 200 ml whipped cream chocolate sauce (store-bought)
