Amandina

Amandina Cake – A Perfect Delight for the Holidays

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the delicious universe of Amandina cake, a recipe that combines intense chocolate flavors with a soft and moist texture, perfect for bringing a touch of magic to your holidays. This refined cake is ideal for enjoying with loved ones, and the preparation process is surprisingly simple. Each layer will delight the senses and take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 7 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water

For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 packets classic cappuccino
- 2 packets instant coffee
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the cream:
- 2 packets chocolate-flavored cake cream (from Dr. Oetker)
- 2 packets vanilla-flavored cake cream (from Dr. Oetker)

Useful tips for ingredients:
- Eggs: Choose fresh, high-quality eggs. It's best to let them sit at room temperature before using them to achieve a fluffier batter.
- Sugar: You can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste, but the result will differ from the classic.
- Cocoa: Choose high-quality cocoa with a high cocoa content for an intense flavor.
- Oil: Sunflower or canola oil is recommended, but you can also use olive oil for a distinct note.
- Cream: If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the chocolate cream.

Preparation techniques:
1. Preparing the base:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue. This step is essential for giving the cake an airy texture.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the oil until creamy. Then, carefully add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Incorporate the water, flour, cocoa, and baking powder, mixing gently with a spatula until homogeneous.
- Line a baking tray with flour and pour in the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Preparing the syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Boil over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the cappuccino, instant coffee, and rum essence, stirring well. Once the syrup is ready, let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the cream:
- Follow the instructions on the cream packets, mixing the ingredients according to the recommendations. It is important to use cold milk to achieve a fluffy and delicious cream.

Assembling the cake:
1. Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts.
2. Place the first part of the base on a platter and pour half of the hot syrup over it, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
3. Spread a generous layer of chocolate cream over the base, then place the second part of the base on top. Repeat the process, pouring the remaining syrup and topping with vanilla cream.
4. You can decorate the cake with grated chocolate on top or with a few chocolate-covered coffee beans for an elegant look.

A personal note:
I find that this Amandina cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. It is ideal not only for Christmas but also for any special occasion. It can be made a few days in advance, as it becomes even tastier as it sits in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.

Nutritional benefits:
Amandina cake is a calorie-rich dessert, but it also provides a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates and proteins from the eggs. Cocoa contains antioxidants, and the rum essence can add a touch of flavor and character to the cake.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the eggs with vegan alternatives? Yes, you can use a mixture of ground flaxseeds with water or banana to achieve a similar texture.
- How can I keep the cake longer? It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to prevent it from drying out.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is best to assemble it just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

Delicious combinations:
- Serve Amandina cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with freshly whipped cream.
- A cup of mulled wine or a Christmas cocktail can perfectly complement this decadent dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and bring a little magic to your kitchen. So, get ready to impress all your guests with this Amandina cake, a true holiday feast! Enjoy!