Kyiv Cake

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Ensure the parchment paper extends slightly over the edges for easier handling of the meringue.

2. 2

   In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely grease-free, as any fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

3. 3

   Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Adding sugar slowly helps it dissolve and creates a more stable meringue.

4. 4

   Gently fold in the vanilla extract, cashews, and all-purpose flour into the meringue mixture until just combined.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Be careful not to deflate the meringue by overmixing.

5. 5

   Divide the meringue mixture evenly between the two prepared cake pans, spreading it into an even layer.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

6. 6

   Bake the meringues for 2 hours, then turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door slightly ajar for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to dry completely.

   Aproximativ 11 ore

   Nota bucătarului: This slow drying process is crucial for achieving a crisp, non-chewy meringue.

7. 7

   To prepare the custard cream, combine the egg yolk and milk in a small saucepan.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

8. 8

   Whisk in the condensed milk until smooth, then heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

   Aproximativ 7 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Do not boil the mixture; you're looking for a thick, custard-like consistency.

9. 9

   Remove from heat and let the custard cool completely to room temperature.

   Aproximativ 30 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Chilling it in the fridge can speed up the cooling process, but ensure it's not cold or the butter will seize.

10. 10

    In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: The butter must be soft but not melted for the cream to emulsify properly.

11. 11

    Gradually add the cooled custard mixture to the whipped butter, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Add the custard slowly to prevent the cream from splitting.

12. 12

    Divide the cream into two portions. Stir the cocoa powder into one portion of the cream to create a chocolate cream.

    Aproximativ 2 min.

13. 13

    Once the meringue layers are completely cool and crisp, carefully remove them from the pans.

14. 14

    Place one meringue layer on your serving plate. Spread the plain cream evenly over the top.

    Aproximativ 3 min.

15. 15

    Top with the second meringue layer and spread the chocolate cream over it, covering the top and sides of the cake.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish.

16. 16

    Decorate the cake with melted dark chocolate, drizzling or piping it as desired.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: A piping bag with a small round tip works well for intricate designs.

17. 17

    Press the finely chopped cashews onto the sides of the cake for additional decoration and texture.

    Aproximativ 3 min.

18. 18

    Refrigerate the Kyiv cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the cream to firm up and flavors to meld.

    Aproximativ 3 ore

    Nota bucătarului: Chilling makes the cake easier to slice.