Vanilla cake

Vanilla Cake with Berries and Delicate Cream

This vanilla cake is a wonderful choice for any birthday or special occasion. With a refined taste and a subtle aroma of vanilla, it is perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. Every time I prepare it, I am reminded of the loving and warm moments spent with dear ones. So let's discover together how to make this divine cake, step by step.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

Base:
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g sifted flour

Cream:
- 500 ml liquid cream (well chilled)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Fruit sauce:
- 300 g frozen berries
- 3 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- 250 g fondant
- Fondant flowers (optional, for an elegant decoration)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare two round pans: one with a diameter of 18 cm and another of 10 cm, greasing them with butter or lining them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and doubles in volume (about 5-7 minutes). It is important to be patient here, as the incorporated air will make the base light and fluffy.
3. Add the melted butter (but slightly cooled) and vanilla extract. Gently mix to incorporate the ingredients.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Then, add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, using a spatula or a manual whisk to incorporate the ingredients. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense base.
5. Divide the mixture into the two prepared pans and place them in the oven. The small pan will bake in about 15 minutes, while the larger one will take 30 minutes. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Step 2: Preparing the fruit sauce
1. In a saucepan, place the frozen berries together with the sugar. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and a thin sauce forms.
2. Once the sauce has cooled, set it aside.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
1. In a cold bowl (you can place the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand), add the liquid cream and sugar. Whip with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken.
2. Add the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Continue whipping until the cream becomes firm and smooth. This cream will add a note of freshness to your cake.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Once the bases have completely cooled, cut each base in half horizontally, so you get 4 layers (2 large and 2 small).
2. Place a large base layer on a serving platter. Spread some of the fruit sauce, followed by half of the cream cheese. Then, place the second large base layer on top.
3. Repeat the process with the small base: spread the fruit sauce and then the cream cheese. Place this layer on the large cake.
4. Cover the cake with the remaining cream cheese, ensuring it is smooth across the entire surface and on the edges of the cake.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Now comes the creative part! You can use your imagination to decorate the cake. You can choose to cover it in fondant or use the leftover whipped cream for a simpler decoration.
2. If you choose to use fondant, gently mold it over the cake, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Use a pink fondant strip and add edible flowers for an elegant look.
3. Let the cake chill for a few hours before serving, to firm up well.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, except for the cream for whipping, which should be cold for easy whipping.
- If you want a hint of chocolate, you can add some chocolate chips to the cream cheese.
- You can replace the berries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or strawberries, to provide a variety of flavors to your cake.

Nutritional Benefits:
The vanilla cake with berries is not only delicious but also nutritious. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. The cream and cream cheese add a boost of calcium and protein, making it a balanced dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge.
- What can I serve the cake with? This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

I hope you will try this vanilla cake recipe and that it will bring much joy to those who savor it. It is a quick and simple dessert to make, but with a remarkable visual and taste impact. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Base: 3 eggs, 100 g sugar, 80 g melted butter, vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 200 g sifted flour. Cream: 500 ml liquid cream, 4 tablespoons sugar, 100 g cream cheese, vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest. Fruit sauce: 300 g frozen berries, 3 tablespoons sugar. For decoration: 250 g fondant, fondant flowers.