Agnes Cake

Agnes Cake - A Delicacy with Nuts and Cream

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

My entire culinary adventure began with a friend who shared this wonderful cake recipe, known as Agnes Cake. It is a delicious combination of nuts, fine cream, and biscuits, perfect for any occasion. Moreover, it is a quick and simple dessert to make, which is sure to impress everyone.

The history of this cake is one of those that brings a smile to your face. It seems to have been created in times when people gathered friends and family around the table and shared unforgettable moments, accompanied by delicacies with rich flavors. Let’s get to work and turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary!

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 7 egg whites
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 8 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 7 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 200 ml liquid cream

Additionally:
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Jam or Fineti
- 20 Petit Beurre biscuits
- Sugar syrup, rum or compote

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm foam. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy base.

2. Adding dry ingredients:
Carefully fold in the ground walnuts, flour, and baking powder into the egg white mixture. Use a spatula to mix, being careful not to lose the volume of the foam.

3. Preparing the tray:
In a tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter, sprinkle the cup of finely chopped walnuts on the bottom. This will form a delicious and crunchy crust for the cake.

4. Baking the base:
Pour the base mixture over the walnuts in the tray and level it out. Bake for 25 minutes or until the base turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tray.

5. Preparing the cream:
In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and water. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie) and stir constantly for 20 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This will add a special texture to your cake.

6. Incorporating the cream:
After the cream has cooled, fold in the whipped liquid cream. Gently mix with a spatula to keep the air in the cream, resulting in a fine and airy cream.

7. Assembling the cake:
Turn the cooled base onto a serving plate. Spread a layer of jam or Fineti over the surface of the base. Then, place a layer of Petit Beurre biscuits that have been quickly soaked in sugar syrup, rum, or compote, to give them extra flavor.

8. Finalizing and refrigerating:
Pour the cream over the biscuits and level it out. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Although it is delicious right away, the flavors combine even better if you let it sit for a few hours or even overnight.

Serving and variations:

To add a touch of elegance, you can decorate the cake with chopped nuts or grated chocolate before serving. A slice of lemon or orange can add a pleasant contrast of acidity.

This cake is perfect alongside a cup of flavored coffee or tea. You can experiment with different types of biscuits or even various creams, such as chocolate cream or caramel glaze.

Nutritional benefits:
Agnes Cake provides a significant amount of protein from the egg whites and yolks, as well as healthy fats from the nuts. Nuts are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them excellent for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can replace the walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a different flavor.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour.

4. What can I use instead of liquid cream?
You can use a plant-based alternative for cream, but make sure it has a similar fat content to achieve a consistent cream.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try it and share it with your loved ones. I encourage every cooking enthusiast to experiment and add a personal touch. Agnes Cake is not just a dessert, but also a way to bring people together around the table on every occasion. Enjoy!