Cake with a sponge similar to macarons

Macaron Cake with Mascarpone Cream - A Delicious Experience

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Welcome to the fascinating world of culinary arts! Today, I will share with you a special cake recipe inspired by the famous macarons, but with a creative twist that will delight your taste buds. This macaron cake features a perfect combination of a light texture and rich mascarpone cream. It is an ideal recipe for any occasion or simply to treat yourself!

A Brief History of Macarons

Macarons are legendary pastries known for their crispy exterior and soft interior. Although their origins are debatable, they have become a symbol of French pastry. Most of us wish to recreate this delicacy, but in some cases, the recipe can seem challenging. But don’t worry! Today, I will show you how to transform a macaron mixture into a delicious cake that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients for the Cake Base

- 140 g fine almond powder
- 238 g powdered sugar
- 45 g Dutch cocoa powder
- 3-4 large egg whites (at room temperature)

Ingredients for the Cream

- 250 g mascarpone (1 container)
- Juice from 2 oranges
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Zest from 1 orange

Step by Step for the Cake Base

1. Preparing the almond powder: Start by blending the blanched almonds in a food processor until you achieve a fine powder. Be careful not to blend too much, or they will turn into almond paste.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: Add the powdered sugar and cocoa to the ground almonds in the food processor and blend again. The result should be a very fine powder without lumps.

3. Preparing the pan: Line a round cake pan (28 cm in diameter or smaller) with parchment paper, greasing it with a little butter to prevent sticking.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form a light foam. Then, increase the speed and continue beating until the egg whites are firm, glossy, and hold their shape.

5. Combining ingredients: Start folding the almond powder, sugar, and cocoa into the egg whites using a spatula. Gently mix from bottom to top, rotating the bowl at the same time to keep the air in the egg whites. Be careful not to mix more than 50 times to maintain a fluffy consistency.

6. Baking the cake base: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it rest for 30 minutes in a dry, cool place. This step is crucial as it allows a crust to form on the surface of the cake. During this time, preheat the oven to 410°F (high temperature).

7. Baking: After 30 minutes, place the pan in the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and leave the oven door slightly ajar, using a wooden spoon to keep it open. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cake base is firm to the touch.

8. Cooling the cake base: After baking, let the cake cool for 2 minutes, then pour a little hot water into the pan under the parchment paper. This will help to quickly release the cake base. Let it act for 15 seconds, then gently remove the cake and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Preparing the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a bowl, add the mascarpone and the juices from the oranges and lemon. Mix well until you obtain a smooth cream.
2. Add the powdered sugar and orange zest, continuing to mix until the cream becomes fluffy and easy to spread.

Assembling the Cake

1. Place the cooled cake base on a serving platter.
2. Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the surface of the cake base.
3. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving and Suggestions

This macaron cake with mascarpone cream is perfect served alongside a cup of fruit tea or freshly brewed coffee. You can decorate the cake with crystallized orange slices or a sprinkle of grated chocolate for a sophisticated look.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of nut instead of almonds?
Yes, you can try using pistachios or hazelnuts, but the flavor will be different.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use dark chocolate instead of cocoa.

- What can I do with the leftover egg whites?
You can make meringues or an egg white omelet, which is a healthy choice.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This cake has approximately 320 calories per serving, but it also provides benefits due to its ingredients. Almonds are rich in protein and healthy fats, while oranges provide a boost of vitamin C, beneficial for immunity.

Experiment with this unique recipe, turn a challenge into something delicious, and savor every bite! In the end, it’s important to enjoy the cooking process and let your creativity shine. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to tell me how your cake turned out!

 Ingredients: For the base: 140 g fine almond powder, 238 g powdered sugar, 45 g Dutch dark cocoa, 3 - 4 large eggs (whites at room temperature). For the cream: 250 g mascarpone (1 container), juice from 2 oranges, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, juice from 1/2 lemon, zest from 1 orange.

 Tags:  cake mascarpone mascarons oranges