As the snow blankets the world outside, transform your kitchen into a warm haven with our Winter Wonderland Latte Cake. This recipe is a celebration of comfort, combining the rich, aromatic flavors of coffee with the soft, spongy texture of sponge cake, all wrapped up in a velvety cream. It's the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your snowy days, turning any occasion into a special one.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of coffee-flavored desserts, this Latte Cake is a dream come true. It's a delightful blend of caffeine kick and sugary sweetness, promising to be the highlight of your winter gatherings. Whether you're commemorating a birthday or simply seeking a comforting dessert to brighten a chilly day, this cake will not disappoint. Its layers are soaked in a milky coffee mixture, creating a moist, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the creamy topping and white chocolate ganache.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or as a luxurious treat to enjoy by the fireside. Its elegant appearance and exquisite taste make it suitable for any celebration, providing a cozy, comforting end to a festive meal.
Decoration Tips: Garnish your Latte Cake with hazelnut pieces for an added crunch and a sprinkle of elegance. Drizzle with milk chocolate ganache for a stunning contrast against the white ganache topping. The ganache's silky texture and rich flavor complement the cake's coffee notes, while the nuts add a delightful texture that will impress your guests.
For the Sponge Cake:
- 5 eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, less one finger's width
- 5 tablespoons hot water
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 cup flour
For the Cream:
- 3 cups milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup cornstarch, less one finger's width
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, less two finger's widths
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 3 packets instant coffee
- 200 ml heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 180g white chocolate
Additionally:
- Hazelnut pieces
- Milk chocolate ganache for decoration
Directions:
- Separate the egg whites and yolks. Beat the whites with sugar and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Whip the yolks with hot water and a tablespoon of sugar. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and vanilla, and fold gently.
- Combine a portion of the whites into the yolks mixture gently with a spatula, then fold this back into the remaining whites carefully.
- Pour into a splitable mold and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (338°F) until done. Cool upside down.
- For the cream, mix all ingredients except the heavy cream; cook until thickened. Let cool with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Whip the cooled mixture, then add cold heavy cream and whip until fluffy.
- Slice the cake into three layers. Prepare a milky coffee mixture with instant coffee, milk, and sugar.
- Soak each cake layer with the coffee mix, layer with cream, repeating for all layers.
- Top with white ganache, using milk chocolate ganache to create designs. To make ganache, heat the cream and pour over chocolate.
- Chill, then cut into squares. Coat each piece's sides with hazelnut pieces for decoration.
Enjoy this comforting, coffee-infused delight, perfect for adding a touch of warmth to any winter day. Enjoy!