Little Red Riding Hood Cake
Red Riding Hood Cake: A Delicacy That Combines Flavor and Memories
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12
On a sunny day, eagerly awaiting the arrival of my little girl, I decided to prepare a cake that would bring a smile to anyone's face. This Red Riding Hood cake, with its fluffy base, delicious cream, and vibrant cherry glaze, is not just a dessert but a sweet memory filled with emotion. Let’s discover together how to make it!
Ingredients
For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla or a few drops of vanilla essence
For the cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 200 ml whipped cream (plant-based)
- 150 g soft butter
- 120 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla or one vial of essence
For the glaze:
- 400 ml cherry juice (you can also use diluted syrup or non-carbonated juice)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla pudding powder (Dr. Oetker) or 6 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (if using store-bought juice, reduce to 2 tablespoons)
Preparation
1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to level 1 (or about 180°C for electric ovens). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until you obtain a frothy and light-colored mixture. It is essential for the eggs to be at room temperature for better incorporation.
2. Adding wet ingredients:
Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, mixing continuously, as you would for mayonnaise. This will give the base a soft and moist texture.
3. Incorporating dry ingredients:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then add a tablespoon of this mixture to the egg composition, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing to keep the air in the batter.
4. Baking the base:
Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. After baking, remove the base and let it cool on a rack.
5. Preparing the cream:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the soft butter and sugar on high speed until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. Add the whipped cream and vanilla, continuing to mix until the cream becomes fluffy and airy.
6. Preparing the glaze:
In a saucepan, bring 200 ml of cherry juice to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the remaining juice with the pudding powder and sugar. When the cherry juice starts to boil, add the pudding mixture and stir vigorously. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Spread half of the cheese cream on the first layer, then cover with the second layer. Add the remaining cream on top. Once the glaze has cooled, carefully pour it over the cream on top, starting from the center and extending to the edges.
8. Final cooling:
Place the cake in the refrigerator for one hour, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. This is where the glaze will firm up a bit and become easier to cut.
Practical tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh eggs and cottage cheese significantly influences the final taste of the cake.
- Glaze: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, adjust the sugar amount according to your taste.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of fruits for the glaze, such as peaches or strawberries, to give the cake a different note.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with fruit tea or fresh lemonade, providing a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the cake and the acidity of the drink.
Nutritional benefits
The Red Riding Hood cake is a combination of protein from cottage cheese and healthy fats from butter, offering a rich taste and velvety texture. Additionally, cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, contributing to immune system health and inflammation prevention.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use only egg whites for the base?
Yes, you can use only the egg whites to achieve a fluffier base, but you will need to adjust the sugar amount.
2. How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days.
3. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
The Red Riding Hood cake is not just a simple dessert but also a recipe that brings together traditions and emotions. Whether you prepare it for a special event or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will surely bring joy in every slice. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!
Ingredients: Base: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of oil, 8 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla or a few drops of vanilla essence. Cream: 500 g cottage cheese, 200 ml whipped cream (plant-based), 150 g soft butter, 120 g sugar (you can add more if you want it sweeter), 2 packets of vanilla or a vial of essence. Glaze: 400 ml cherry juice (diluted syrup with water or ready-made non-carbonated juice, e.g., Giusto), 1 teaspoon of vanilla pudding (Dr. Oetker) or 6 tablespoons of starch, 4 tablespoons of sugar (if using store-bought juice, only 2 tablespoons).
