In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, place 100g of butter, sugar, honey, and instant coffee. Heat over low flame, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until all the ingredients dissolve and combine into a smooth, liquid mixture. Be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil.
Description
The Spartak cake is a classic, multi-layered dessert originating from Eastern Europe, valued for its extraordinary texture and depth of flavor. In this unique version, the traditional honey-cocoa layers have been enriched with an intense coffee note, giving them a more sophisticated and deep aroma. They are filled with a velvety cream based on mascarpone cheese and fluffy whipped cream, with a refreshing hint of fresh orange zest that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. The whole is topped with a glossy dark chocolate glaze. After chilling, the cake becomes moist and melts in your mouth, with each layer perfectly complementing the others, creating a harmonious whole. It is an incredibly visually impressive dessert, perfect for special occasions, which will surely delight guests with its richness of flavors and elegant appearance.
Składniki (16)
- Mąka pszenna tortowa (typ 450) 500 g
- Butter (min. 82% fat) 150 g
- Cukier drobny 150 g
- Liquid honey (e.g. wildflower) 4 łyżki
- Eggs (size L) 2 szt.
- Unsweetened dark cocoa 50 g
- Baking soda 8 g
- Serek mascarpone 500 g
- 36% heavy cream 500 ml
- Powdered sugar 120 g
- Zest of unwaxed orange 10 g
- Dark chocolate (min. 70% cocoa) 150 g
- Milk 3.2% 45 ml
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Instant coffee (granules) 2 łyżeczki
- Salt 0.0 szczypt
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Candied orange peel 30 g
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Preparation steps
Preparation of honey-coffee cake
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add baking soda to the hot mixture and stir vigorously. The mixture will foam up dramatically and increase in volume, and its color will become lighter. This is a normal reaction. Stir for about a minute, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. It should be warm, but not hot.
To the slightly cooled mixture, add one egg at a time, mixing very vigorously with a whisk each time until fully combined. The mixture should become smooth and uniform.
In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the prepared liquid honey mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, start mixing the ingredients, incorporating the dry ingredients from the sides until they are initially combined.
When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface or countertop. Knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky to your hands. The dough will be warm and very pliable. Shape it into a ball, slightly flatten it, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Baking the layers
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan or conventional). Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and divide it into 8-10 equal parts. It’s best to use a kitchen scale to ensure each piece has the same weight – this will ensure even layers.
Roll out each piece of dough very thinly (to a thickness of about 1-2 mm) directly on a sheet of baking paper. Trace a circle using a plate or the bottom of a springform pan with a diameter of 22-24 cm and cut it out with a knife. Leave the scraps of dough next to the circle on the paper. Prick the dough densely with a fork over the entire surface.
Place the tray with the prepared base and scraps in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes. The finished base will be slightly browned at the edges. After removing it from the oven, it will be soft but will harden as it cools. Carefully slide the paper with the base onto a cooling rack. Repeat the process with the remaining parts of the dough.
Preparation of the orange cream
In the bowl of a mixer, place very well chilled heavy cream. Whip on high speed, starting from medium, until you achieve thick, stiff whipped cream. Be careful not to 'overwhip' it (not to curdle it). The finished whipped cream should form stiff peaks that do not fall.
In a separate, large bowl, place the mascarpone cheese (also straight from the fridge), sifted powdered sugar, and freshly grated orange zest. Mix on low speed with a mixer, just until the ingredients are combined into a smooth, uniform mixture (about 30 seconds).
Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture in three batches. Gently fold in each batch using a silicone spatula, making movements from bottom to top (folding technique). Mix only until the cream is uniform. The finished cream should be thick and fluffy.
Assembling the cake
On a platter or flat plate, place the first layer of cake. Spread an even layer of cream on it (about 3-4 tablespoons). Cover with the second layer, press down lightly, and spread the same amount of cream again. Repeat this process until all layers and cream are used up, leaving the last, flattest layer on top.
Spread the remaining cream thinly on the sides and top of the cake, smoothing the surface with a long spatula or knife. Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This is a crucial step during which the firm layers will absorb moisture from the cream, soften, and blend into a cohesive whole.
Preparation of the glaze and decoration
Place the previously baked and cooled cake scraps in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin into fine crumbs. You can also use a food processor.
In a small saucepan, place the broken dark chocolate, 50g of butter, and milk. Heat in a water bath (that is, in a bowl set over a pot of gently boiling water), stirring until the ingredients melt and combine into a smooth, glossy glaze. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. The glaze should still be liquid but not hot.
Take the chilled cake out of the refrigerator. Pour the cooled chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to flow freely down the sides, creating an impressive drip effect. Sprinkle the sides of the cake with the prepared cake crumbs, gently pressing them with your hand or a spatula. Optionally, decorate the top with candied orange peel.
Place the finished cake back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set completely. It is best to cut the cake with a sharp, long knife, dipped for a moment in hot water and dried before each cut.
Fun Fact
The name of the cake 'Spartak' is shrouded in mystery. One theory suggests that it comes from the football club Spartak Moscow, and the dark and light layers were meant to symbolize the club colors. Another legend refers to the Roman gladiator Spartacus, with the numerous layers of cake symbolizing strength and perseverance.
Best for
Tips
The cake tastes best when well chilled, taken out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving. It pairs perfectly with a cup of strong espresso or black tea, which will enhance its chocolate-coffee flavor. Use a long, sharp knife dipped in boiling water for cutting.
Store the cake in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, to prevent it from absorbing other odors. It stays fresh and retains the best flavor for up to 4 days. Interestingly, on the second and third day after preparation, it tastes even better as the flavors meld together.
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