Cake with a bow

Bow Tie Cake – a festive delicacy and elegance on a plate

When it comes to desserts that surprise with their appearance and taste, the Bow Tie Cake is a perfect choice. This cake not only delights the eye but also the taste buds with its delicious combination of chocolate and hazelnuts. It is ideal for anniversaries, parties, or any special occasion. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base
- 100 g butter
- 100 g brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 300 g chocolate hazelnut spread
- 100 ml milk
- 200 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 50 g vanilla cappuccino powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the cream
- 150 ml whipped cream
- 200 g milk chocolate, melted and cooled
- 200 g M&M’s candies

For decoration
- 350 ml whipped cream
- 1 large bow (any color)
- colored spray for decoration (optional)
- pearlescent candies (any color)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 190 °C. This step is essential for achieving an even and fluffy base.

2. Prepare the pans
Grease two round pans with a bit of butter or oil: one with a diameter of 20 cm and the other 15 cm. Make sure they are well greased to prevent the bases from sticking.

3. Prepare the base
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This process helps to incorporate air, which is essential for a fluffy base.

4. Incorporate the wet ingredients
Add the chocolate hazelnut spread and 100 ml of milk to the butter and egg mixture. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. The dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, cappuccino powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients will give structure and flavor to the cake.

6. Combine the mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk until homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix, or the base will become dense.

7. Bake the bases
Divide the batter into the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are ready.

8. Cool the bases
Once the bases are baked, let them cool completely in the pans, then carefully transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the cream
While the bases are cooling, whip the cream until firm. Add the melted and cooled chocolate, mixing gently to maintain the fluffy texture. Also, add the M&M’s, mixing gently to incorporate them.

10. Assemble the cake
Cut each base in half horizontally. Place the first layer (20 cm) on a serving plate, spread some cream on it, then place another layer of base. Continue this process until all bases are used.

11. Decorate the cake
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top of the cake, then place the smaller cake (15 cm) on top. Use the remaining whipped cream to decorate the cake. If desired, you can add colored spray for extra visual effect and pearlescent candies. Finally, place the large bow on top as a festive accent.

Serving suggestions

This Bow Tie Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can add an even more special touch. It is a versatile dessert that will bring smiles to your guests' faces.

Tips and variations

- For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the batter mixture.
- If you want to try a healthier version, you can replace the chocolate spread with a dark chocolate variant with a higher cocoa percentage, which will add a more intense flavor and fewer calories.
- Instead of M&M’s, you can use nuts, hazelnuts, or even dried fruits for a different texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of this Bow Tie Cake contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The base provides carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the eggs, and healthy fats from the butter and chocolate spread, while the M&M’s add a bit of sugar and vitamins from the natural colorants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower or coconut oil, but the texture will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a fluffier texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
I recommend keeping it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unassembled bases. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you have this captivating recipe, it’s time to put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Each step is an opportunity to explore flavors and create a dessert that will bring joy to your loved ones. Culinary delights await to be discovered!

 Ingredients: For the base 100g butter 100g brown sugar 3 eggs 300g chocolate cream with hazelnuts 100ml milk 200g flour 50g cocoa powder 50g vanilla cappuccino powder 1 teaspoon baking powder a pinch of salt For the cream 150ml whipped cream 200g melted and cooled milk chocolate 200g M&M candies For decoration 350ml whipped cream 1 large ribbon (any color) colored spray for decoration (any color), optional shiny candies (any color)