Nothing says cozy charm quite like a homemade Rotkäppchen Torte, a delightful German Red Riding Hood cake that is sure to impress your family and friends. This traditional cake features layers of light sponge cake, luscious cream, and a burst of rich red fruits that not only make it visually stunning but delicious as well. Perfect for special occasions or to simply elevate your afternoon tea, this cake is a true showstopper that combines a beautiful presentation with scrumptious flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delightful dessert from scratch.
**Rotkäppchen Torte**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 6 large eggs, separated
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups heavy cream
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups mixed red fruits (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, cherries)
– ½ cup red currant jelly, for glazing
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract and melted butter, and mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip the cream.
9. Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the cake and scatter a handful of mixed red fruits over the cream.
10. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake, creating a rustic finish.
11. Heat the red currant jelly in a small saucepan until melted. Brush the melted jelly over the top of the cake to create a glossy finish.
12. Decorate the cake with extra red fruits and fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your homemade Rotkäppchen Torte with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful treat that embodies the essence of cozy baking. This cake is a wonderful way to showcase your baking skills and is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.