Ingredients

Dough

150 grams (5.3 ounces) spinach
30 grams (1.05 ounces) olive oil
Juice of 0.5 lemon (0.5 item)
Zest of 1 lemon (1 item)
2 large eggs (2 items)
80 grams (2.8 ounces) corn flour
50 grams (1.75 ounces) rice flour
30-50 grams (1.05-1.75 ounces) buttermilk
vanillin, to taste
sweetener, to taste
1 teaspoon baking powder

Custard

250 grams (8.8 ounces) ricotta
200 grams (7.05 ounces) soft cottage cheese

Instructions

Step 1

To prepare this healthy festive dessert, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. This includes: 150 grams of spinach (frozen or fresh), 30 grams of olive oil, juice of half a lemon, zest of one lemon, 2 eggs, 80 grams of corn flour, 50 grams of rice flour, 30 to 50 grams of buttermilk, vanillin to taste, sweetener to taste, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. For the custard, you will need 250 grams of ricotta and 200 grams of soft cottage cheese.Prepare metal rings with diameters of 10 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, and 6 cm (3.9 inches, 3.5 inches, 2.7 inches, and 2.4 inches), or a silicone mold with a diameter of 22 cm (8.6 inches) to make biscuit circles of the appropriate diameter. Also, prepare a pastry bag with “Star” and “Leaf” attachments.

Step 2

For the cake layers, place the defrosted (or fresh) spinach, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the eggs with the sweetener until they become light and fluffy. Combine the egg mixture with the spinach mixture. Gradually add the corn flour, rice flour, and baking powder while continuing to stir. Mix in the vanillin.Ensure the flours and baking powder are evenly mixed to prevent lumps in your batter.

Step 3

Transfer the spinach batter to your prepared baking dishes. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and spring back when gently pressed.Use a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake to check for doneness—it should come out clean.

Step 4

For the custard, mix the ricotta and cottage cheese in a bowl. Add sweetener to taste and stir until smooth.For a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture or pass it through a fine sieve. Place half of the custard into a pastry bag with a 'Star' attachment. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the remaining custard and place it in another pastry bag.

Step 5

To assemble the cake, start by placing the 10 cm (3.9 inch) cake layer. Spread the white custard over it in a spiral pattern. Place the 8 cm (3.5 inch) cake layer on top and add more white custard. Continue with the 7 cm (2.7 inch) and 6 cm (2.4 inch) cake layers, adding white custard between each layer.Chill the layers slightly before assembly to make them easier to handle.

Step 6

Next, use the pastry bag with green custard to fill the gaps between the cake layers, forming petal shapes. Decorate your 'tree' with confectionery sprinkles and some edible gold powder. Insert a caramel star or a gingerbread star on top to finish. Serve and enjoy! Bon Appetit, and Happy Holidays!Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Servings

When it’s time to serve your gorgeous festive pastry, consider arranging it on a beautiful cake stand to elevate its appeal. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee, enhancing those cozy holiday vibes. 🍵

If you’re hosting a holiday party, cut your pastry into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy serving. Garnish each piece with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a fresh mint leaf for an extra festive touch. 🎉

For an elegant after-dinner treat, serve the pastry with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy textures complement the custard and add a luxurious feel to your dessert. 🍨

Additionally, consider a light and refreshing fruit salad on the side. The contrast of flavors and textures will provide a delightful balance, making your dessert the highlight of the evening! 🍓

Equipment

Blender

For smoothly blending the spinach with the lemon zest, juice, and olive oil. A high-powered blender works best to ensure a smooth mixture.

Mixing Bowls

Multiple bowls are essential for mixing the different components of the recipe separately. Opt for stainless steel bowls for easy cleanup.

Electric Mixer

Whipping the eggs to a fluffy consistency can be time-consuming by hand, so an electric mixer will save you both time and effort. 😉

Baking Dish

Use a baking dish that fits your oven size, ensuring an even bake. Non-stick or silicone molds are perfect for easy release.

Pastry Bags and Attachments

Essential for decorating, especially for creating those beautiful "Star" and "Leaf" designs. If you don't have these, a ziplock bag with the corner cut off can work in a pinch!

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation 🌾: Substitute the corn flour and rice flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure all your other ingredients, like baking powder, are certified gluten-free.

Vegan Variation 🌱: Replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Use a plant-based buttermilk (1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice topped with non-dairy milk to make 1 cup). Substitute ricotta and cottage cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew-based cheeses or tofu blended to a smooth consistency.

Faq

  • How can I ensure my eggs are properly whipped?

    Use cooled eggs and a clean, dry bowl, preferably metal or glass. Start on low speed, gradually increasing to high until the mixture is fluffy and holds soft peaks.

  • Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to blanch and squeeze out excess water before blending to avoid a watery mixture.

  • What if I don’t have metal rings?

    You can use a regular round cake pan and simply cut the layers into circles using a round stencil or a suitably-sized bowl as a guide.

  • How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the pan?

    Line your baking dish with parchment paper or lightly oil and dust it with rice flour to prevent sticking.

  • Can I prepare any components in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the custard and the spinach mixture the day before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you are ready to assemble.

  • How do I achieve the perfect decorative finish?

    Practice makes perfect! Use consistent pressure on your pastry bag and try different nozzles. Watching a few tutorial videos can also help you get more comfortable with the technique.

Nutrition facts

HEALTHY CHRISTMAS TREE CAKE
Recipe Yield:1 Christmas Tree Cake
Calories:Approx. 220-350 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):220 - 350
Total Fat:15g
Saturated Fat:5g
Protein:10g
Total Carbohydrate:30g
Total Sugars:10g