Ingredients
Honey Air Cake Layers
Creamy Honey and Vanilla Cream
Tangerine Punch
Pear and Peach Mousse
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the *honey*, *sugar*, and eggs until smooth. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix well.
Gradually fold in the flour and baking powder until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into greased cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the *floral honey* and *Tahitian vanilla extract*. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 3
In a small saucepan, combine the tangerine juice, *orange blossom water*, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool, then *soak the cooled cake layers* with the punch, infusing them with flavor.
Step 4
Blend the pears and peaches with sugar until smooth. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in water and heat gently until melted. Stir the gelatin into the fruit puree and mix thoroughly.
Allow the mixture to set slightly in the fridge for about 15 minutes until thickened but not fully set. Spread the mousse over the soaked cake layers generously.
Step 5
Place one layer of the soaked cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the creamy honey and vanilla cream over it. Add a thick layer of the pear and peach mousse.
Repeat these steps with the second layer. Cover the cake lightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully. Decorate as desired and enjoy!
Servings
Equipment
Various sizes for blending, whisking, and mixing. It's a good idea to have a **non-slip base** for ease of use.
An electric mixer saves time and arm effort. A stand mixer is ideal for large batches, while a hand mixer is great for versatility.
Use proper **non-stick pans** for best results. If you don’t have non-stick, a parchment lining works wonders.
Variations
Faq
- How do I make sure my cake layers are even?
Use a ruler or leveler to measure the batter evenly across each pan. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for consistency.
- Can I make the mousse ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mousse a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s well-sealed to avoid absorbing any fridge odors.
- What's the secret to a fluffy mousse?
Use cold bowls and tools when whipping the cream, and **fold gently** but thoroughly to incorporate without deflating.
- How can I adjust the sweetness?
Experiment with the honey amount in the frosting; taste and adjust as needed. Additionally, consider the natural sweetness of fruits and adjust accordingly.
- What finisher makes the cake stand out?
Consider adding a glaze made of citrus juice and powdered sugar, or a light dusting of edible gold powder for a fancy touch.
- Can I add liqueur for extra flavor?
Yes, a splash of **pear schnapps** or **vanilla liqueur** can deepen the flavor profile, especially in the mousse. Add sparingly and test the taste.