Rafael Bocskai and Vance Richards moved to Lanzarote in November 2009. Prior to Lanzarote Vance was working for the NHS and Rafael at the Intercontinental Hotels Group. Disillusioned with living in London and looking for something different they made the decision to move abroad, after visiting both islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote they settled on the area of Playa Blanca for their new home.

Rafael’s cousin had introduced the couple to a traditional cake from Transylvania locally known as  Kurtos Kalacs which translates to chimney cakes due to their shape – these cakes can be cooked over charcoal as well as in an oven and so the volcano cake and their new business venture Pastel Volcano was created. The volcano cake is an old traditional recipe that has been revived and is currently big in the States, made from a pastry dough with yeast these cakes are spectacular to watch being made and their smell is irresistible when just baked.

The volcano cake dough is prepared and then coated in caramel and rolled in a choice of toppings of cinnamon, hazelnut, mixed nuts, vanilla, coconut or sesame seeds. Traditionally the cake is eaten fresh hot or cold the same day, simply tear a strip off and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The cake is versatile too, it can be cut into rings and filled with cream, ice cream, mousse etc to create a special dessert.

The guys have been working really hard to promote their volcano cakes in Lanzarote, they are now available in various cafés, hotels and restaurants around the island. If you’d like to try one of their volcano cakes or have an outlet you can distribute them from please contact Rafael and Vance by email at pastelvolcano@gmail.com or connect with them on Facebook.