Festive Cream Cake
Festive Cream Cake Recipe - Traditional Norwegian Dessert
Introduction
Festive Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This decadent cake features layers of light sponge cake, sweet apricot puree, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with a layer of marzipan. The combination of flavors and textures in this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
History
The Festive Cream Cake recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, especially in European countries where marzipan is a popular ingredient in desserts. This cake is often served during holidays and special occasions, as it is a symbol of celebration and indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake
- 5 eggs
- 0.75 cup sugar (180 ml)
- 1 tsp baking powder (5 ml)
- 0.5 cup corn starch (125 ml)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (250 ml)
Filling
- 2 cup pureed sweetened apricots (500 ml)
- 2 cup whipping cream (500 ml)
- 1 tbsp sugar (15 ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla (5 ml)
How to prepare
Cake
- Cut wax paper to fit a 20 cm round springform pan.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature.
- Beat eggs until light.
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and corn starch, then gently fold into eggs.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake at 190°C for 20 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Finish cooling.
Filling
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla.
- Split the cake into two layers.
- Spread half of the apricot puree on the bottom layer, and spread half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat for the second layer.
- Roll out marzipan and cover the top of the cake.
- Use an icing bag to decorate the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with apricot halves.
Marzipan
- Use 1 package (100 g) of ground almonds, sifted.
- Measure the ground almonds after sifting and add an equal amount of sifted icing sugar.
- Moisten with 1 tbsp of wine.
- Add a few more drops of liquid if necessary.
- Dust the working surface with sifted icing sugar and roll out the marzipan.
- Transfer the marzipan onto the cake, trim the edges, and remove any dry icing sugar with a brush dipped in cold water.
- Decorate with red frosted grapes.
- Dip the grapes in fork-beaten egg whites, roll in sugar, and dry on wax paper.
Variations
- Substitute the apricot puree with raspberry or strawberry puree for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a decadent twist.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy to ensure a light and airy cake.
- Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid deflating the batter.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- Use a sharp knife to split the cake into layers for a clean cut.
- Dust the working surface with icing sugar when rolling out the marzipan to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Festive Cream Cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Cooking Techniques
Beating the eggs until light and fluffy is key to achieving a light and airy cake.
- Folding in the dry ingredients gently will help maintain the cake's texture.
- Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form will ensure a stable and fluffy filling.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use store-bought marzipan instead of making your own.
- Substitute the apricot puree with any fruit puree of your choice.
- Use almond flour instead of ground almonds for the marzipan.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cake layers and apricot puree in advance and assemble the cake just before serving to save time.
Presentation Ideas
Decorate the top of the cake with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Festive Cream Cake with a sweet dessert wine or champagne for a luxurious dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Festive Cream Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Festive Cream Cake contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Festive Cream Cake contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Festive Cream Cake contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Festive Cream Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Festive Cream Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Festive Cream Cake contains eggs, almonds, and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Festive Cream Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.
Summary
Festive Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. With layers of sponge cake, apricot puree, whipped cream, and marzipan, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this indulgent treat with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Margaret in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Aunt Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me one of her most prized recipes that day - the Festive Cream Cake.
As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the kitchen for baking, Aunt Margaret began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained how she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe was a family treasure, a secret combination of flavors and techniques that had been perfected over years of trial and error.
As we worked together, mixing and measuring, Aunt Margaret shared memories of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother. She described how they would spend hours baking together, the sweet smell of vanilla and sugar filling the air. It was a time of love and laughter, of bonding over a shared passion for creating delicious treats.
As we poured the batter into the cake pans and placed them in the oven, Aunt Margaret told me about the special occasions when the Festive Cream Cake would make an appearance. Birthdays, holidays, family gatherings - the cake was always a centerpiece, a symbol of joy and celebration.
As the cake baked, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of vanilla and almond. Aunt Margaret smiled as she watched me peer through the oven door, waiting anxiously for the cake to rise and turn golden brown. She could see the excitement in my eyes, the eagerness to learn and to create something beautiful and delicious.
Finally, the timer dinged, and we carefully removed the cake from the oven. It was perfect - a golden-brown masterpiece, fluffy and moist, with a hint of almond and a rich, creamy filling. Aunt Margaret showed me how to carefully frost the cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting, swirling it into delicate patterns on top.
As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Aunt Margaret raised her glass in a toast. "To family traditions and the joy of baking," she said, her eyes twinkling with pride. I couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and generous soul.
That day, as I savored every bite of the Festive Cream Cake, I knew that I had found a new passion. Baking had always been a hobby for me, but now it held a deeper meaning. It was a connection to my past, a way to honor my family's heritage and create memories that would last a lifetime.
Since that day, I have made the Festive Cream Cake countless times, each one a tribute to Aunt Margaret and the love she shared with me in her cozy little cottage by the sea. And as I pass the recipe down to future generations, I know that the tradition will live on, bringing joy and sweetness to all who taste its delicious magic.
Categories
| Almond Meal Recipes | Apricot Desserts | Apricot Recipes | Light Whipping Cream Recipes | Norwegian Desserts | Norwegian Recipes |