Mihai Cake

Mihai Cake - A Fruity Delight for a Special Celebration

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I will share with you a special recipe, full of color and flavor, that will turn any occasion into an unforgettable celebration. This is Mihai Cake, a refined dessert that combines fluffy sponge with creamy cheese and fresh fruits, perfect for celebrating beautiful moments with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 6 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- Approximately 10 tablespoons of flour

For the cream:
- 1 kg of cottage cheese (preferably creamier)
- 150 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g of pastry cream (from Meggle)
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 300 ml of orange juice (for soaking)

For the jelly:
- 1 packet of cake jelly (preferably fruit-flavored)
- 200 ml of orange juice (instead of water)

Decoration:
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 kiwi (sliced)

Brief History
Cheesecakes and fruit cakes have a long tradition, often prepared for special occasions. This Mihai Cake is a tribute to love and conviviality, perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or simply bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones. The citrus aroma adds a note of freshness, and the combination of textures makes it irresistible.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Sponge:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It's important for the temperature to be consistent to achieve an even sponge.
- In a large bowl, beat the 6 eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and light-colored. This step is essential for giving volume to the sponge.
- Add the oil and rum essence, continuing to mix to incorporate them.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the sponge.
- Line a detachable cake pan with margarine and baking paper, then pour the mixture into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Test with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

2. Preparing the Cream:
- While the sponge cools, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, beat the cottage cheese with a mixer until creamy.
- Add the cubed butter and powdered sugar, mixing again until everything is well incorporated.
- Add the orange zest and vanilla essence, mixing gently.
- In another bowl, beat the pastry cream until frothy. Gradually incorporate this cream into the cheese mixture, gently mixing to maintain air.

3. Assembling the Cake:
- Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into three equal slices.
- Place the first slice of sponge on a platter and soak it with 100 ml of orange juice. Add a generous layer of cheese cream.
- Place the second slice of sponge, soak it, and add cream again. Repeat the process for the last slice of sponge.
- Use the remaining cream to cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with slices of orange and kiwi, arranging them nicely for an attractive appearance.

4. Finalizing the Cake:
- Prepare the jelly according to the package instructions, using orange juice instead of water. Pour it evenly over the fruits, ensuring they are well covered.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to firm up well.

Serving Suggestions
For an even more enjoyable experience, serve the cake with a glass of fresh orange juice or a cup of green tea. You can also add some cookies or chocolate for a contrast of textures.

Useful Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, instead of kiwi and orange.
- If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 7 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use soy cheese for a vegan version?
- Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with soy cheese for a vegan option. Make sure to choose a brand that has a creamy texture.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
- The cake keeps best in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. Consume it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.

3. Can I use frozen fruits?
- It is recommended to use fresh fruits for better taste and texture, but frozen fruits can be used. Make sure to thaw and dry them well before use.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to start cooking! Mihai Cake will surely impress, and each slice will bring joy and smiles. Happy celebrations to those honored and enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Base: 6 large eggs, 5 tablespoons oil, 7 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet baking powder, 1 essence of rum, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (about 10 tablespoons). Cream: 1 kg of creamy cow cheese, 150 g butter, 250 g pastry cream from Meggle, zest of one orange, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 essence of vanilla, 300 ml orange juice for soaking, 1 packet jelly cake + 200 ml orange juice, 1 orange, 1 kiwi.

 Tags:  cake fruit whipped cream