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Desserts

Rose cake

⏱ 320 min🍳 50 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

If you love cakes and dishes that make a splash, you will certainly want to try the ‘Rose cake’: this dessert, due to its origins in the culinary tradition of Mantua, looks like a real bouquet of edible roses. The visual effect is striking and the taste is similar to a brioche or crumbly cake; inside, it can be filled with butter, jam or with a small waterfall of chocolate chips. This cake can also be prepared on special occasions, such as Mother's Day, instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers. In short, it is both delicious and at the same time looks wonderful. If you’ve never made a Rose cake and are curious, and want to show off your skills in the kitchen, make this version with the help of our illustrated step-by-step guide!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
68g
Fat
22g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
320 minutes Total time
50 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Mix the flour with 70 g of sugar, add a pinch of salt and form into a mound with a small well in the centre. Pour into this well the yeast dissolved in warm milk, add the eggs and mix. Stir in 150g of cooled, melted butter and knead until soft and smooth. Let it rise in a floured bowl for about 4 hours. Then, knead the dough again, divide it into seven equal pieces from which you make long, thin strips. Spread into their centres a ‘cream’ made with butter and the remaining sugar, and roll the strips up into coil shapes. Arrange the coils on some baking parchment on a circular baking tray and let them rise for another hour. Bake the rose cake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 50 minutes.

Tips
To get the correct result of a very soft cake, you should use plenty of ‘cream’ for the filling, because otherwise the cake may be too dry.
Trivia
The historical origins of this dessert are in a marriage that took place in the late fifteenth century: that between Francis II of Gonzaga and Isabella d'Este. During the wedding feast the assembled nobility appreciated this cake to such an extent that it has remained unchanged for centuries, and even today is still prepared according to the traditional recipe.

Step by step

Mix the flour with the yeast
Mix the flour with the yeast
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Rose Cake with Pastry Cream

A delicious variant of the rose cake is the one with pastry cream. In this preparation, after rolling out the dough, a layer of pastry cream is spread between the strips of dough. This not only enriches the flavor of the cake but also makes it incredibly soft and moist. The pastry cream, made with milk, sugar, and egg yolks, adds an extra touch of sweetness and a velvety texture. By following the same rolling technique, you achieve a rose cake that, when baked, will release an enveloping aroma. Served cold or at room temperature, this variant is perfect for a tasty snack or as a dessert for a special dinner.

Trentino Rose Cake

The Trentino rose cake is a typical interpretation from Trentino Alto Adige, where the pastry tradition is rich and varied. In this version, local ingredients can be used, such as mountain butter, which gives a unique and authentic flavor. Additionally, the dough can be enriched with a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to add an aromatic touch. The preparation remains faithful to the original recipe, but the use of fresh and local ingredients makes the final result even more delicious. This cake is ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply to accompany a coffee on winter afternoons when something warm and comforting is desired.

Light Rose Cake without Butter

For those who want a lighter version of the rose cake, it can be made without butter, replacing it with Greek yogurt or applesauce. This alternative not only reduces calories but keeps the cake soft and moist. The basic ingredients remain the same, but the final result will be a lighter dessert, suitable for those on a diet or looking to limit fats. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. This light rose cake is perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without guilt while still maintaining the tradition and taste of the original recipe.

Benefits of Rose Cake and Approximate Calories

The rose cake, despite being a dessert, can have some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. "00" flour, although refined, provides immediate energy, while eggs provide proteins and essential nutrients. Additionally, milk is a source of calcium, important for bone health. However, it should be noted that a serving of rose cake contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. It is best consumed in moderation, perhaps accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee, for a moment of sweetness during the day.

Can Rose Cake be Frozen?

Rose cake can be frozen, but it is advisable to do so before baking for optimal results. After forming the rolls and placing them in the baking pan, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you wish to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature and then proceed with baking. If you want to freeze a baked rose cake, it is important to ensure that it is completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container. This way, you can preserve the flavor and freshness of the dessert, ready to be enjoyed at a later time.