Vanilla cubes

Vanilla cubes - a refined dessert that perfectly combines fluffy sponge with a fine cream and a caramelized syrup, ideal for impressing both family and friends. This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary experience that will delight any dessert lover. Here’s how you can prepare it at home, step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

*For the sponge:*
- 5 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 3 tablespoons burnt sugar syrup
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 cup flour (approximately 130-150 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

*For the syrup:*
- 100 g sugar
- 150 ml water

*For the cream:*
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 vanilla pudding (preferably instant)
- 300 ml milk
- 100 g sugar

*For decoration:*
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

Short history

Vanilla cubes are a dessert that combines the tradition of cake making with a modern twist, reminding us of moments spent with family around the table, enjoying something sweet. This dessert is often associated with special occasions but can also be served as a delicious snack on ordinary days.

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
1. Start by separating the eggs. It is important to have clean bowls, as even a small amount of yolk in the whites can prevent achieving a perfect foam.
2. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until you achieve a stiff foam, similar to that for meringue.
3. In another bowl, mix the yolks with 3 tablespoons of oil, 3 tablespoons of burnt sugar syrup, and 100 g of sugar. This mixture will add sweetness and a soft texture to the sponge.
4. Add the yolk mixture over the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
5. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa together, then gradually fold them into the egg mixture. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking pan (20/30 cm) lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it is baked (if it comes out clean, it’s done).

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding with 100 g of sugar and 50 ml of cold milk. This mixture will prevent lumps from forming.
2. Heat the remaining milk until it starts to boil. When it boils, add the pudding mixture and stir continuously until thickened. Let it cool.
3. In the meantime, melt the butter and mix it until creamy. Add a tablespoon of the cooled pudding at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and fine cream.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup
1. In a pan, caramelize 100 g of sugar until it turns golden. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly.
2. Extinguish the caramel with 150 ml of water, stirring well to obtain a uniform syrup. Let it cool.
3. From this syrup, use 3 tablespoons to soak the cooled sponge.

Step 4: Decoration
1. Whip the liquid cream with the vanilla sugar until it becomes firm. When it’s almost ready, add the 2 tablespoons of sour cream for a richer texture.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the vanilla cream, then dust with cocoa.

Serving and variations
To add a personal touch, you can serve the cubes with a portion of fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, which will perfectly complement the flavors of vanilla and cocoa. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors or add ground nuts to the cream for a crunchy texture.

Practical tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture.
- If you want an even moister sponge, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the caramelized syrup.
- Store the vanilla cubes in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain freshness and avoid drying out.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe offers a delicious dessert, but like any sweet dish, it is important to consume it in moderation. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on size and exact ingredients used. Meanwhile, eggs and butter provide healthy proteins and fats, while milk contributes calcium.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the butter with a vegan alternative?
Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil to make this dessert vegan.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour.

3. Can I use another type of pudding?
Sure! You can experiment with chocolate or caramel pudding for different flavors.

I hope this recipe for vanilla cubes inspires you to create a wonderful dessert that brings joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to experiment and share the love for food with those around you. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the base we need: 5 eggs, 100 g sugar, 3 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons burnt sugar syrup, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 packets vanilla sugar. For the syrup we need: 100 g sugar, 150 ml water. We caramelize the sugar, then 'extinguish' it with water. Let it cool. From this syrup, we use 3 tablespoons for the base. For the cream we need: 100 g butter, 1 vanilla pudding, 300 ml milk, 100 g sugar. For decoration we need: 200 ml liquid cream, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 2 packets vanilla sugar.