Somloi by Ina

Somloi Cake Recipe - A Delight with Three Layers

*Share a slice of this traditional Somloi cake with your loved ones during the holidays. This dessert combines the delicate flavors of three layers with a fine cream and a generous topping of whipped cream. It's a perfect choice for special occasions as well as personal indulgence.*

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the vanilla layer:
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- 4 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon saffron baking powder
- 1 vial vanilla essence

For the cocoa layer:
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon saffron baking powder

For the walnut layer:
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons roasted and ground walnuts
- ½ teaspoon saffron baking powder

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 80 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons brandy (or rum, if you prefer)

For the cream:
- 4 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 800 ml milk
- 150 g flour
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- Roasted and ground walnuts (for filling)
- 100 g raisins (optional)

For decoration:
- 250 g sweet cream
- 50 ml sweet milk
- 100 g powdered sugar
- Chocolate sauce (from Dr. Oetker or similar)

Preparation

1. Preparing the Layers

*For perfect layers, it's recommended to prepare them a day in advance so the flavors meld and they cool properly.*

Vanilla layer:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and salt until the mixture doubles in volume.
- Add boiling water, then sift in the flour along with the baking powder. Gently mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (36x24 cm) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the layer to cool completely.

Cocoa layer:
- Repeat the previous steps using the ingredients for the cocoa layer. Aim for a similar consistency. Bake in the same pan for about 20-25 minutes and let cool.

Walnut layer:
- Follow the same steps, but replace the cocoa with roasted and ground walnuts.
- Bake this layer in the same pan for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.

2. Preparing the Syrup
- In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, then add the brandy. Allow to cool.

3. Preparing the Cream
- In a double-bottomed saucepan, bring 600 ml of milk to a boil with 200 g of sugar.
- In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the remaining milk and sifted flour, ensuring there are no lumps.
- When the milk boils, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the heat and stir until thickened. Let it cool.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, and when they become frothy, add 100 g of sugar. Mix until stiff peaks form. Fold the meringue into the cooled cream.

4. Preparing the Whipped Cream
- Whip the sweet cream with the powdered sugar and sweet milk until you achieve stiff peaks. This will add a light texture to the cake.

5. Assembling the Cake
- Place the vanilla layer on a platter and generously soak it with syrup.
- Spread some cream on top, sprinkle with ground walnuts, then add the cocoa layer, soak it, and repeat the process.
- Finally, place the walnut layer, soak it, spread the remaining cream, and add a layer of whipped cream. Decorate with ground walnuts, raisins, and chocolate sauce.

6. Slicing and Serving
- Use a knife dipped in hot water to slice the cake. Arrange the slices on plates and enjoy with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea.

Useful Tip
- You can substitute the brandy with rum or omit the alcohol if you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert. The taste will still be delicious, and the cake will be loved by all.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of Somloi cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cream and topping used. It is a cake rich in carbohydrates from sugar and flour, but also provides protein from eggs and dairy. The walnuts contribute healthy fats and fiber.

Variations and Alternatives
To customize the recipe, you can add flavors like cinnamon or different essences. Instead of raisins, try using dried fruits or chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, but check the equivalence, as sweeteners can have different sweetness levels.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It is ideal to enjoy a few days after preparation when the flavors have melded perfectly.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, as it contains eggs and dairy products. However, you can explore adapted vegan recipes that use substitutes for these ingredients.

Whether you're making it for a family gathering or enjoying it in the comfort of your home, Somloi cake will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Savor each slice and let its delightful flavors carry you away!

 Ingredients: Vanilla sponge: 3 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon boiled water, 4 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder with saffron, 1 vial vanilla essence. Cocoa sponge: 3 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon boiled water, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder with saffron. Walnut sponge: 3 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon boiled water, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons roasted and ground walnuts, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder with saffron. Syrup: 100 ml water, 80 g sugar, 2 tablespoons brandy (I didn't have rum). Cream: 4 eggs, 300 g sugar, 800 ml milk, 150 g flour, 1 vial vanilla essence, roasted and ground walnuts, 100 g raisins. Decoration: 250 g sweet cream, 50 ml sweet milk, 100 g powdered sugar, chocolate sauce from Dr. Oetker.

 Tags:  somloi cake