Tosca Cake

Tosca Cake: A Delicacy with Poppy Seeds and Chocolate

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

The story behind the Tosca cake is one of passion and creativity, a recipe that has traversed generations and won hearts through its simplicity and refinement. It is a perfect choice for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. This cake combines a fluffy base with intense flavors of poppy seeds and coconut, complemented by a fine cream and melted chocolate. Let’s see how we can prepare this delicacy step by step!

Ingredients needed:

*For the base:*
- 6 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons coconut
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 6 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons starch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla pudding powder
- 225 ml milk
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- Vanilla essence, to taste

*For assembly:*
- Plain biscuits
- Syrup (1 cup water to 1 cup caramelized sugar)
- Plain chocolate (for glazing)

Step by step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 20x30 cm baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base, so make sure the bowl is clean and dry.
3. While continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar, ensuring it completely dissolves in the egg whites. The mixture should become glossy and firm.
4. Add the poppy seeds and coconut, gently folding them in.
5. Sift the baking powder together with the flour over the meringue and gently fold the mixture with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level it with a spatula. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick test comes out clean (insert a toothpick in the middle of the base; if it comes out clean, the base is ready).

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy. This step will add a rich texture to the cream.
2. Add the starch and vanilla pudding powder, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil, then gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Place the mixture over a double boiler, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. This process takes a few minutes, but the result will be worth the effort.
5. Once the cream has thickened, let it cool slightly, then add the cubed butter, mixing until smooth. Finally, incorporate the vanilla essence to taste.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Make sure the base has completely cooled. Spread the cream evenly over it, leveling it with a spatula.
2. Dip the plain biscuits in the prepared syrup (1 cup water and 1 cup caramelized sugar) and place them on top of the cream.
3. Melt the plain chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the biscuits, ensuring they are evenly covered.
4. Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours to set well.

My personal tip: For an extra flavor, you can add some chopped roasted nuts or almonds to the egg yolk cream. This will add an interesting texture and a crunchy note to the cake.

Nutritional benefits: This cake contains protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the butter, and natural sugar, providing a sweet taste without being overly caloric. Each serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size, making it a decent choice for a dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour or even gluten-free flour, but the taste will be slightly different.
- How can I store the cake? The Tosca cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4-5 days.
- Can I add fruits? Absolutely! Fresh seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, pair perfectly with this cake.

Complementary recipes: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but also with vanilla ice cream, which will add a pleasant contrast of temperature and texture.

In conclusion, the Tosca cake is a wonderful choice for any occasion, and with these step-by-step instructions, you are ready to bring it to your table. Experiment with the ingredients and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: For the base: 6 egg whites, 150g sugar, 1 large spoon of poppy seeds, 2 tablespoons of coconut, 4 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 packet of baking powder. For the cream: 6 egg yolks, 8 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of starch, 1 tablespoon of vanilla pudding powder, 225 ml milk, 200g butter, vanilla essence. We also need: plain biscuits, syrup (1 cup water to 1 cup caramelized sugar), plain chocolate.

 Tags:  tosca cake white sugar mac unt