Delightful Marzipan Cake

This delectable marzipan cake is a delightful treat, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings. The combination of light sponge layers, creamy filling, and rich chocolate coating creates a dessert that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The sweetness of marzipan adds a unique flavor, complemented by a hint of citrus and a subtle ginger touch that enhances the overall taste. A mix of dark and white chocolate enriches the cake, providing a luxurious texture that is irresistible. The delicate balance of flavors, from the tangy citrus zest to the smoothness of the marzipan and rich chocolate, makes this cake a crowd-pleaser. Its elaborate preparation process rewards you with a stunning result that's both sophisticated and indulgent. Ideal for those who appreciate the art of baking, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a beloved favorite. Whether served as a show-stopping dessert or enjoyed as a midday indulgence, this marzipan cake is a surefire way to celebrate any moment. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and prepare to create a memorable culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 light sponge cakes
• 900 g low-fat cottage cheese
• 500 ml heavy cream
• 1 lemon
• 1 piece of ginger
• 300 g marzipan mass
• 300 g sugar
• 100 g orange jam (optional)
• 1 packet of gelatin

Spices and Sauces:

• 4 bars of dark chocolate
• 1 bar of white chocolate
• Butter or additional cream (for chocolate)

Preparation Time

Total: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by whipping the heavy cream with sugar until fluffy.
2. Gradually incorporate the cottage cheese, passing it through a sieve to ensure a smooth texture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Grate the lemon zest and ginger, adding them to the mixture for a hint of freshness and warmth.
4. Dissolve gelatin in water for about 10 minutes, then melt it over a water bath and add it to the creamy mixture.
5. Take the first sponge cake layer and spread orange jam thinly over it, followed by a layer of the cream mixture.
6. Place the second sponge cake on top, spreading another layer of cream. Finish with the third sponge and a final layer of cream.
7. Freeze the marzipan for 5 minutes for easier handling, then grate it coarsely and sprinkle it evenly over the top cream layer.
8. Melt the finely chopped 4 bars of dark chocolate in a water bath.
9. For a softer topping, mix the melted chocolate with butter or additional heavy cream.
10. Pour or spread the chocolate mixture over the cake’s top layer of marzipan.
11. Melt the white chocolate in a water bath, smoothing it over the sides of the cake to create a neat finish.
12. Place the cake in the fridge for several hours to set.
13. Optionally, decorate the cake with shavings of white chocolate or other decorations as desired.
14. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

Tips

• For a more intense ginger flavor, use freshly grated ginger.
• A mix of light and dark chocolates can balance sweetness and bitterness.
• Freeze marzipan slightly to ensure easier grating.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 450 per slice
• Protein: 7g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• Substitute orange jam with raspberry or strawberry for a different berry twist.
• Use almond or coconut flour in the sponge for a gluten-free version.
• Add almond extract to enhance the marzipan flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Accompany with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Best Places

• Café Sacher - Home of the original Sachertorte. Location: Philharmonikerstreet 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Ladurée - Renowned for exquisite pastries and macarons. Location: 16 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Iconic for luxurious pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.
• Demel - A historic pastry shop with classic Viennese desserts. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Conditorei Schober - Known for delectable cakes and pastries. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Konditorei Oberlaa - Offers a variety of traditional Austrian pastries. Location: Neulerchenfelder Str. 150, Vienna, Austria.
• Konditorei Zauner - Famous for extravagant pastries and cakes. Location: Pfarrgasse 7-11, Bad Ischl, Austria.
• Confiserie Sprüngli - Known for their luxurious sweets and chocolates. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Caffè Gilli - A historical café serving traditional Italian sweets. Location: Via Roma 1/R, Florence, Italy.
• Pâtisserie Stohrer - Oldest pastry shop, renowned for classic French pastries. Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France.