Beef burger snack cake

Ingredients

Cake layers

300 grams (10.6 ounces) flour
0.5 teaspoons (0.09 ounces) baking soda
2 teaspoons (0.35 ounces) baking powder
2 teaspoons (0.35 ounces) salt
300 grams (10.6 ounces) buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) olive oil

Filling

4 large tomatoes
3 large pickles
1 large onion
4 strips bacon
ground beef to taste

Cheese sauce

500 grams (17.65 ounces) hard cheese, grated
500 grams (17.65 ounces) cream cheese
500 milliliters (2.1 cups) cream (33%)

Equipment

Baking Dish
Opt for an 18 cm (7 inch) mold to create uniform layers; grease it well to prevent sticking.
Whisk
Ensure your wet ingredients are thoroughly combined by using a sturdy whisk.
Frying Pan
Use this to dry sesame seeds and fry bacon strips for an added crunch and flavor.
Acetate Film
Wrap the cake to help maintain its shape and keep the layers neatly separated.
Grill
A grill or grill pan will give the ground beef a delicious, smoky flavor.
Plywood Board or Plate
You'll need this to press and set the cake in the refrigerator.

Instructions

Step 1

Start by preparing the cake layers. Sift the flour into a large bowl and add baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Dry toast the sesame seeds in a frying pan and add them to the flour mixture.

Step 2

Toast sesame seeds on low heat to avoid burning.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.

Step 4

Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.

Step 5

Grease a baking dish with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake at 170-180C (338-356F) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6

Use a 7-inch diameter baking dish for the best results.

Step 7

After baking, let the cake cool and then cut it into four thin layers.

Step 8

For the filling, slice the tomatoes and pickles into rings. Cut the onion into rings and optionally, pour boiling water mixed with vinegar and sugar over them to pickle slightly. Fry the bacon strips in a pan until crispy. Form a ground beef patty with a diameter of about 15 cm (5.9 inches) and grill it.

Step 9

Chill the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 10

To make the cheese sauce, take equal parts grated hard cheese, cream cheese, and cream. Heat them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 11

Do not boil the sauce; cook it just until the cheeses have melted.

Step 12

To assemble the cake, start with the first cake layer and spread barbecue sauce over it. Layer half of the sliced vegetables (tomatoes, pickles, onions) on top. Add a layer of cheese sauce.

Step 13

Ensure even distribution of cheese sauce for balanced flavors.

Step 14

Add the next cake layer and spread barbecue sauce on it. Place the grilled beef patty and fried bacon strips on top. Add another layer of cheese sauce.

Step 15

Spread tomato sauce on the third cake layer, then layer the remaining vegetables and cheese sauce. Finish with the final cake layer, spread with tomato sauce and place it on top with the sauced side down.

Step 16

Wrap the assembled cake with acetate film or a ring mold, and place it in the refrigerator under a press for 3 to 4 hours to set.

Step 17

Press helps to evenly distribute the filling and maintain a neat shape.

Step 18

After setting, coat the cake with cream cheese mixed with 1/5 of cream for a pliable texture. This will use about 500-600 grams (21.15 oz) of the creme.

Step 19

Decorate with fresh vegetables, herbs, or various cuts of meat and sausage.

Servings

Picture this: your guest's eyes widen as you bring out what looks like a decadent layered cake, only to slice it and reveal a symphony of savory fillings. Serve this burger cake as an unexpected appetizer for your next barbecue—the creamy cheese sauce oozing between layers of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies will have everyone talking. Pair it with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a playful touch, garnish your burger cake with cherry tomatoes and pickles on toothpicks to mimic the iconic burger look. Whether it's a birthday, a game night, or a potluck, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight and make you the talk of the town.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to help the cake layers maintain their structure. Vegan bakers can swap buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) instead of regular eggs. Substitute the bacon and beef with your favorite vegan alternatives, and opt for dairy-free cheeses for the sauce. The result is just as savory and satisfying!

Faq

How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the baking dish?
Grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter and sprinkle some flour over it to ensure easy removal.
Can I use store-bought cake layers instead of making my own?
Yes, if you're short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought unsweetened cake layers or even savory crepes can be used as a substitute.
What’s the best way to slice the cake layers evenly?
Using a cake leveler or a serrated knife can help to slice the cake layers precisely.
How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?
Ensure to keep stirring the sauce continuously over low heat to prevent any lumps from forming.
How long can I store the burger cake in the fridge?
You can store the assembled burger cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's covered well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze the cake layers for later use?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.