Do you want a delicious and festive dessert, perfect for the Christmas season? The quick and delicious Christmas cake is the ideal choice! Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy-to-make cake combines a slightly moist batter with a soft texture, thanks to eggs and ground hazelnuts.
A rich mascarpone and whipped cream filling adds a decadent flavor and indulgent feel, while candied fruits and grated chocolate turn it into a true visual feast. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this cake will not only delight taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
Ingredients for the Batter:
- 6 eggs 🥚
- A pinch of salt 🧂
- 80 g sugar 🍬
- 60 g flour 🍰
- 100 g ground hazelnuts 🌰
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
Ingredients for the Cream:
- 250 g mascarpone 🧀
- 200 ml heavy cream 🥛
- 50 g powdered sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- Candied fruits (for decoration) 🍒
- Cocoa powder or grated chocolate (for decoration) 🍫
Instructions:
Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 24 cm (9.5 in) round cake pan lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until fluffy and doubled in volume (about 5-7 minutes).
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift the flour, ground hazelnuts, and baking powder, then gently fold them into the egg mixture with a spatula, taking care not to lose the air in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Cream:
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Add the mascarpone: In another bowl, combine the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate whipped cream: Gradually fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, gently mixing with a spatula.
Assembling the Cake:
- Slice the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it into two or three layers, as preferred.
- Fill with cream: Spread a layer of cream between the cake layers and cover the entire cake with the remaining cream.
- Decorate: Add candied fruits on top and sprinkle with cocoa powder or grated chocolate for extra flavor and a festive look.
Serving: Perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, this Christmas cake will surely become one of your seasonal favorites! Get ready to enjoy the flavors of Christmas and treat your loved ones to a simple yet spectacular delicacy. Bon appétit! 🍰✨
