The Base: We start by preparing the cake base, an essential element that will provide a delicious foundation for the entire creation. In a large bowl, we beat the 4 egg whites with 4 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt, using an electric mixer, until we achieve a thick, shiny foam similar to that of meringue. This is the aerated base of our cake, and a well-beaten foam will ensure a fluffy texture. Once the egg whites are beaten, we will add the yolks one by one, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next.
After completing this step, we add the ground walnuts and almonds, gently mixing with a spatula using an upward motion to avoid losing air in the mixture. This will give the layers a rich flavor and a crunchy texture. We continue by incorporating the flour, baking powder, cocoa, vanilla, and lemon and orange zest. The green lemon zest we chose adds a special note of flavor, so we measured it carefully to not overwhelm the other flavors. We mix gently, being careful not to overwork the mixture but to give it an extra boost of air.
Once we have a homogeneous mixture, we grease a pan with butter and pour the batter into it. The base will be baked for 20-30 minutes at a medium temperature, and to check if it is ready, we use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it means the base is perfectly baked. Once baked, we let the base cool, then carefully remove it from the pan and cut it into two layers.
While the base cools, we prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, we bring 250 ml of water to a boil with the 4 tablespoons of sugar and the lemon and orange zest. This will add a fresh and vibrant taste to our syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, we let the syrup cool, and at the end, we add the vanilla to preserve its intense flavor.
After the base has completely cooled, we soak the layer that remains in the pan, then add a white vanilla cream. We carefully place the second layer of the base and soak it as well. The cake will be covered in chocolate cream, and finally, we will decorate with the white cream, creating an elegant and appetizing appearance. It is recommended to let the cake chill for a few hours, but ideally, we should leave it until the next day, so the flavors will blend perfectly.
Enjoy this cake with friends and family, and savor every delicious slice! Bon appétit!
After completing this step, we add the ground walnuts and almonds, gently mixing with a spatula using an upward motion to avoid losing air in the mixture. This will give the layers a rich flavor and a crunchy texture. We continue by incorporating the flour, baking powder, cocoa, vanilla, and lemon and orange zest. The green lemon zest we chose adds a special note of flavor, so we measured it carefully to not overwhelm the other flavors. We mix gently, being careful not to overwork the mixture but to give it an extra boost of air.
Once we have a homogeneous mixture, we grease a pan with butter and pour the batter into it. The base will be baked for 20-30 minutes at a medium temperature, and to check if it is ready, we use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it means the base is perfectly baked. Once baked, we let the base cool, then carefully remove it from the pan and cut it into two layers.
While the base cools, we prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, we bring 250 ml of water to a boil with the 4 tablespoons of sugar and the lemon and orange zest. This will add a fresh and vibrant taste to our syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, we let the syrup cool, and at the end, we add the vanilla to preserve its intense flavor.
After the base has completely cooled, we soak the layer that remains in the pan, then add a white vanilla cream. We carefully place the second layer of the base and soak it as well. The cake will be covered in chocolate cream, and finally, we will decorate with the white cream, creating an elegant and appetizing appearance. It is recommended to let the cake chill for a few hours, but ideally, we should leave it until the next day, so the flavors will blend perfectly.
Enjoy this cake with friends and family, and savor every delicious slice! Bon appétit!
Ingredients
Base: 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, 4 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 2-3 tablespoons ground walnuts, 2-3 tablespoons ground almonds, 1 teaspoon baking powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla essence, orange and/or lemon zest. Syrup for soaking the base: 250 grams water, 4 tablespoons sugar, vanilla essence, orange and/or lemon zest. Cream: I bought vanilla and chocolate cream.