This Solero-inspired cake is a delightful treat that combines a crispy, light base with creamy layers and a refreshing fruity topping. It’s a great dessert to impress your guests, especially on warm days when you crave something cool and light. The cake’s smooth and creamy texture, along with the tangy passionfruit topping, makes it taste just like your favorite ice cream bar. Here’s how to prepare this fantastic dessert:
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 220g spelt flour (Type 630) or wheat flour (Type 405)
- 170g raw cane sugar
- 50g oil
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 250g sparkling water (carbonated water)
For the Vanilla Cream:
- 800g heavy whipping cream (or whipping cream mix like Schlagfix, sweetened)
- 3 packets vanilla dessert sauce powder (Ruf brand, without cooking, 1 packet = approx. 24g)
- 50g sugar
For the Yellow Topping:
- 250g cold passion fruit juice (e.g., Beckers Bester or Happy Day)
- 3 packets vanilla dessert sauce powder (Ruf brand, without cooking, 1 packet = approx. 24g)
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Cake Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) with circulating air. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: flour, sugar, oil, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Pour in the sparkling water, and mix everything thoroughly for about 10 seconds on speed 4 (or with a hand mixer on high) until you get a smooth batter.
Grease a 26cm (10-inch) springform pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes. Perform a toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked – the toothpick should come out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven, take off the sides of the springform, and let the cake cool completely. After it has cooled, put the sides of the springform back on to prepare for the cream layers.
2. Prepare the Vanilla Cream:
While the base is cooling, make the vanilla cream. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following: heavy cream, vanilla dessert sauce powder, and sugar. Whip the mixture for about 10-20 seconds on the highest speed (or use a hand mixer) until it becomes thick and forms stiff peaks.
Once the cream has reached the right consistency, spread it generously over the cooled cake base. Make sure to evenly distribute it across the surface.
3. Prepare the Yellow Passion Fruit Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine 250g of cold passion fruit juice with 3 packets of vanilla dessert sauce powder (make sure you are using the type that doesn’t require cooking). Mix everything for about 2 minutes on speed 3.5 (or with a hand mixer) until the mixture thickens slightly.
Carefully pour the passion fruit mixture over the vanilla cream layer on the cake. Smooth it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Once this is done, place the cake in the refrigerator to set.
4. Chill the Cake:
For the best results, let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, but it’s even better if you prepare it the evening before and leave it overnight. Ensure the fridge temperature is at least 8°C (46°F) to allow the topping to firm up properly. If the temperature is too warm, the topping may slide off the cake.
Important Note:
Only use the vanilla dessert sauce powder that is meant for no-cook applications. Pudding powder or any cooking-required versions won’t work for this recipe, as they don’t contain the necessary ingredients to thicken the mixture without heat. This specific powder helps thicken both the cream and the juice, so it’s essential to use the correct type. Do not use pudding powder or attempt to make pudding with this mixture – simply stir the powder directly into the cream or juice.
Tips for Success:
- Storage: Once chilled, store the cake in the fridge to keep it fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can prepare it the day before and serve it the next day.
- Flavor Variations: While the passion fruit topping gives this cake its signature flavor, you can experiment with other fruity juices like mango or orange if you prefer a different twist.
- Presentation: For an extra special touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate. This adds a lovely finishing touch that complements the creamy and tangy layers.
Conclusion:
This Solero Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to celebrations. Its light and refreshing flavors make it the perfect summer treat, and with its ice cream-like texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any complicated steps, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Enjoy this delightful cake, and impress your guests with its unique and indulgent flavors!
