Ultimate Birthday Gateau

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a round cake pan.

2In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter (1 cup) and sugar (1 cup) until light and fluffy.

3Add eggs (4) one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).

4In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder (1 tablespoon). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk (1 cup).

5Divide the batter in half. Mix cocoa powder (½ cup) with hot water (½ cup) and fold it into one half of the batter.

6Pour the two batters into the cake pan, alternating between the plain batter and the chocolate batter to create a marbled effect.

7Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

8Whip the heavy cream (1 cup) with powdered sugar (½ cup) until stiff peaks form. Dissolve gelatin (1 teaspoon) in cold water (¼ cup), then heat it until dissolved. Gradually add the gelatin (1 teaspoon) to the whipped cream while beating.

9Slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread apricot jam (¼ cup) on one layer and top with mixed berries. Place the second layer on top.

10Cover the cake with the whipped cream mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the cream.

11In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam (¼ cup) and water (¼ cup) until smooth. Brush the mixture over the top of the cake and sprinkle with chocolate shavings (¼ cup).

12Serve and enjoy your delicious Birthday Gateau!