Fanta Cake

Sometimes I need something quick for a busy day, but that also impresses if I have guests or want to make something special for the weekend. The Fanta cake is one of my favorite options. It’s not complicated, but it has a few steps that need to be followed. I've made it enough times that I don't need the recipe next to me anymore, but it still helps to have the ingredients prepared from the start, so I don't waste time along the way.

Quick info

Total time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes (includes cooling the base)
Preparation time: 30-35 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12-16, depending on how you cut the cake
Difficulty: easy to medium
Recipe type: homemade cake, suitable for occasions

Ingredients

For the base:
6 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons flour
1 packet baking powder
1 vanilla sugar

For the cheese cream:
500 g cottage cheese
1 pack of butter (200 g)
200 g powdered sugar

For the Fanta pudding:
800 ml orange Fanta (or another juice, if you prefer)
2 packets vanilla pudding
4 tablespoons sugar

Preparation method

1. The base:
1.1. Separate the eggs. Put the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another container.
1.2. Beat the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt. When they are firm, add the yolks one by one, mixing gently. Now add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix.
1.3. Gradually incorporate the flour, sifting it directly over the mixture, along with the baking powder. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, using wide movements, so that the air does not escape from the egg whites.
1.4. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level it. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. It’s done when it passes the toothpick test. Remove the base onto a rack and let it cool completely before adding the creams.

2. The cheese cream:
2.1. Take the butter out of the fridge a while before, so it’s soft.
2.2. Mix the butter with the powdered sugar until you obtain a cream.
2.3. Gradually add the cottage cheese, continuing to mix. In the end, the cream should be smooth, without large pieces of cheese.

3. The Fanta pudding:
3.1. Mix the vanilla pudding powder with the sugar in a large container. Start adding the Fanta gradually, mixing to avoid lumps.
3.2. Put everything on medium heat and stir constantly until it thickens. When it looks like classic pudding, remove from heat and let it cool.

4. Assembly:
4.1. On the completely cooled base, spread the cheese cream in an even layer.
4.2. On top, pour the slightly cooled Fanta pudding, so it’s not too fluid, but not completely cold either (otherwise it will harden too much and won’t spread well).
4.3. Place the cake in the fridge for at least an hour. It cuts better after being in the fridge.

Why I make the recipe often

I like that it doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients. The base is simple, and the cheese cream and pudding layer give a different texture and taste compared to other cakes with layers or heavy creams. It keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge and even withstands transport if needed. It can be made with other juices or puddings if you want to change the flavor.

Tips and variations

Tips

1. It’s important for the base to be completely cooled before adding the cream, otherwise the butter will soften too much.
2. If the cottage cheese is too grainy, you can mash it slightly beforehand.
3. The pudding needs to be monitored on the heat, otherwise it can easily stick.

Substitutions

1. You can use another carbonated juice, but Fanta is more flavorful than plain orange juices.
2. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the pudding or use sugar-free juice.
3. If you don’t have vanilla pudding, you can try caramel or chocolate pudding, although the final taste will be different.

Variations

1. For a topping, you can grate some chocolate or add thin slices of candied orange.
2. Instead of a classic base, some prefer a cocoa base, but the basic recipe doesn’t include that.
3. If you want a more festive look, you can pour the pudding in two layers with a cooling pause in between.

Serving ideas

1. It cuts best with a knife dipped in hot water.
2. It can be served as a dessert at family meals or as a weekend cake.
3. It can be packed for a picnic, it doesn’t get soggy easily.

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of cottage cheese do you use?
I use simple cottage cheese, not too dry, without added cream. If it’s too wet, I let it drain for a bit.

2. Can it be made with another type of juice instead of Fanta?
Yes, it also works with other carbonated juices, but the orange flavor is the most classic. It’s best to avoid non-carbonated juice, as it won’t have the same effect on texture.

3. If I don’t have vanilla pudding, can I use another pudding?
You can use any pudding mix (caramel, chocolate, etc.), but the final taste will be different. Vanilla is the most suitable.

4. The base doesn’t rise enough, what am I doing wrong?
Most often, the base doesn’t rise due to the egg whites not being beaten enough or if the mixture with the flour was mixed too roughly and the air was lost.

5. Can it be made with mascarpone cheese?
I don’t recommend it, because the texture and taste don’t match this recipe.

Nutritional values

Estimation for one serving (out of 16):
Calories: approx. 260-280 kcal
Proteins: 6-7 g
Carbohydrates: 35-38 g
Fats: 10-12 g
Values are indicative and vary depending on the type of cheese, butter, and juice used. The sugar and butter in the mixture raise the caloric value, while the cheese adds a protein boost.

Storage and reheating

The cake keeps in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. It is not reheated, consumed cold or at room temperature. The base remains soft, and the cream does not separate if stored in the cold. I do not recommend freezing, as the texture of the cheese cream and pudding will not be the same after thawing.

 Ingredients: Base: 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, a packet of baking powder, 1 vanilla sugar. Cream cheese: 500g of cottage cheese, a pack of butter, 200g of powdered sugar. Fanta pudding: 800ml of orange Fanta (or any flavor you prefer), 2 vanilla puddings (or any flavor you prefer), 4 tablespoons of sugar.

 Tags:  fantasy cake