Pansy Cake
Pansy Cake – A Delicacy with Orange Flavor
I fondly remember my childhood birthday days when my mother lovingly prepared my favorite cake. This is the recipe for an orange cake that I named "Pansy Cake" in honor of my mother, who was always the baking master. The cake has a delicate base, a velvety cream, and a shiny glaze, making it ideal for any celebration. Let's start this culinary journey!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- Grated zest from 1 orange
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
For the syrup:
- 150 g sugar
- Juice from 1 orange
- 250 ml water
- 1/4 vanilla pod
For the cream:
- 5 eggs
- 5 sheets of gelatin
- 250 g sugar
- 500 g whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons candied orange peel (essential)
- Rum essence (or 50 ml rum)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
For the jelly glaze:
- 250 ml natural orange juice
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of Ruf gelatin (or 3 sheets of gelatin)
For decoration:
- 0.5 l whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Base:
Start by preheating the oven to 250°C. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites in a large bowl using an electric mixer until they become firm. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes shiny and stiff peaks form.
2. Adding the Yolks:
Incorporate the yolks, grated orange zest, and sifted flour mixed with baking powder, adding them one at a time to the egg white mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold, so you don't lose the air in the egg whites.
3. Baking the Base:
Line a baking pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides with butter. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 10 minutes at 250°C, then reduce the temperature to 200°C and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the base pulls away from the edges. Let it cool completely.
4. Preparing the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla pod. Boil the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Add the orange juice and let it cool.
5. The Cream:
To make the cream, place the eggs, sugar, and gelatin (soaked in water for 10 minutes) in a bowl over a bain-marie. Stir constantly until the cream thickens and clings to the spoon. Allow the cream to cool slightly, then fold in the candied orange peel, whipped cream, and rum essence.
6. Assembling the Cake:
Cut the cooled base into three equal parts. Each layer is soaked with the prepared syrup and generously spread with cream. After placing the last layer of cream, prepare the jelly glaze according to the package instructions, mixing the orange juice with sugar and gelatin. Pour the glaze over the cake and refrigerate to set.
7. Decorating:
Once the glaze has set, decorate the sides of the cake with whipped cream. You can use a piping bag to create beautiful shapes.
Useful Tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of essential orange oil to the cream. Also, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, as this will help the cake rise evenly.
Nutritional Benefits
This orange cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins from the oranges. Additionally, the whipped cream adds a dose of calcium, while the eggs are a good source of protein. It’s a perfect dessert to celebrate special moments in your life without feeling too guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits? Yes! You can replace oranges with lemons or grapefruits for a tangier version.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar in the syrup and cream can help achieve a more balanced taste.
- Is it possible to use plant-based cream? Yes, you can use plant-based cream for a lighter version, but the taste may vary from dairy cream.
Possible Variations
- Chocolate Cake: Add cocoa to the cake base for a chocolate flavor.
- Berries: Add fresh berries to the cream for a flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Pansy Cake is perfect served alongside a cup of fruit tea or fresh lemonade. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would add a refreshing element to this delicacy.
I invite you to try this recipe and bring a touch of my memories into your kitchen. Each slice of Pansy Cake will take you back to the beautiful moments of childhood, filled with love and joy. Enjoy!
Ingredients: ptr.blat: -6 oua -120 g zahar -120 g faina -1 pliculet praf de copt -coaja rasa de la o portocala -2 plicuri zahar vanilat ptr.sirop: -150 g zahar -zeama de la o portocala -250 ml apa -1/4 baton vanilie ptr.crema: -5 oua -5 foi de gelatina -250 g zahar -500 g frisca -2 linguri coaja zaharisita de portocala (esentiala ) -esenta de rom (ca sa nu spun 50 ml rom,ca asa era in reteta mamei) -2 plicuri zahar vanilat ptr glazura de jeleu: -250 ml suc natual de portocale -4 linguri de zahar -1 plic de gelatina Ruf (sau 3 foi de gelatina ) ptr ornat: -0,5 l frisca
