Kaštelanska Torta - A Croatian Delight

Ingredients

• For the sponge cake: For the sponge cake:
• 6 large eggs 6 large eggs
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the vanilla custard: For the vanilla custard:
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks 4 large egg yolks
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch 40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the chocolate ganache: For the chocolate ganache:
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 200ml (¾ cup) heavy cream 200ml (¾ cup) heavy cream

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 36g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
4. 4.
   Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
5. 5.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. 6.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7.
   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
8. 8.
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
9. 9.
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a custard consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the vanilla custard evenly over the cake.
11. 11.
    Top with the second cake layer.
12. 12.
    In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pan of simmering water. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
13. 13.
    Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
14. 14.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before using them in the recipe to ensure better volume when beating.
• Dark chocolate — Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for the best flavor and texture.
• Heavy cream — Ensure the heavy cream has a high fat content (at least 35%) for a rich and creamy ganache.
• Cornstarch — When making the custard, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk before adding it to the hot milk to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla extract — For a more intense vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract instead of artificial vanilla essence.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure a moist sponge cake, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
• For a more pronounced flavor, you can add a splash of rum or brandy to the vanilla custard.
• To achieve a smooth and glossy ganache, chop the chocolate into small pieces for easier melting.
• Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavors and make it easier to slice.
• Serve the Kaštelanska Torta with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of indulgence.

Serving advice

Slice the Kaštelanska Torta into generous portions and serve it on dessert plates. Accompany each slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine to complement the flavors.

Presentation advice

To present the Kaštelanska Torta beautifully, dust the top of the cake with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or decorate it with chocolate shavings. Place a fresh mint leaf or a strawberry on each slice for an elegant touch.