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Recipe
Kaštelanska Torta - A Croatian Delight
Sunset Delight: A Taste of Croatia's Kaštelanska Torta
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Croatia with this exquisite Kaštelanska Torta. This traditional Croatian dessert is a true delight, featuring layers of moist sponge cake, creamy vanilla custard, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
3 hours and 55 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration time)
Yields
8 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Kosher, Halal
Allergens
Eggs, Milk, Wheat (gluten)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
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For the sponge cake: For the sponge cake:
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6 large eggs 6 large eggs
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200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
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200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
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For the vanilla custard: For the vanilla custard:
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500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
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4 large egg yolks 4 large egg yolks
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100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
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40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch 40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
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1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
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For the chocolate ganache: For the chocolate ganache:
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200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
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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
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1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
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3.Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
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4.Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
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5.Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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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.
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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.
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8.Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
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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.
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10.Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the vanilla custard evenly over the cake.
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11.Top with the second cake layer.
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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.
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13.Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
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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.
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