This Lattice Soft Cake features a light and airy sponge cake paired with a rich and creamy quark filling, making it an exquisite choice for any coffee break. The delicate lattice design on top not only adds a touch of elegance but also allows the creamy filling to slightly meld with the sponge, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The cake's softness complements the moist filling, offering a dessert that is as satisfying as it is beautiful.
Why You'll Love This: The charm of this cake lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast between the fluffy sponge and the creamy filling. The quark adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite wonderfully balanced. Additionally, the vanilla notes in both the cake and the filling provide a warm, comforting aroma that perfectly accompanies a hot cup of coffee or tea. Its straightforward preparation also makes it an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideally suited for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or as a light dessert after a family meal. It's also a wonderful option for gatherings, brunches, or potlucks where a not-too-sweet dessert is desired. The presentation is sure to impress guests, making it a fantastic choice for holidays or special occasions where you want to offer something both delightful and visually appealing.
Decoration Tips:
- After baking and cooling, dust the cake generously with powdered sugar to enhance the lattice pattern.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a few mint leaves for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy filling.
- For a festive touch, consider using edible gold leaf or silver pearls along the lattice lines for an added element of luxury.
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fruit compote for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Sponge Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g vegetable oil
- 70 ml milk
- 200 g flour
- 8 g baking powder
- 8 g vanilla sugar
- Filling:
- 250 g quark or unsalted cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 30 g sugar
- 10 g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 27 cm x 18 cm baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is frothy. Gradually blend in vegetable oil and milk.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar, and fold into the wet mixture until well combined. Pour this batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- For the filling, combine quark (or cream cheese), egg, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Place this mixture into a piping bag and carefully pipe a lattice pattern over the cake batter.
- Bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, finished look.
Enjoy this delightful blend of soft sponge and creamy filling in your next coffee break!