Amandina Cake

Cake "Amandina": Enjoy a Delicacy with History

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a cake that has made history in kitchens everywhere: the "Amandina" cake. This cake is a true symbol of joy and festive moments, perfect for both a holiday meal and a delicious snack any day of the week.

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

What makes it special?

The fluffy base is the ideal foundation for a variety of creams, and the combination of chocolate and rum flavor makes Amandina an irresistible dessert. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will bring a smile to your face.

Your ingredients for a perfect Amandina

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons of caramelized sugar syrup (about 50 g of caramelized sugar dissolved in 3 tablespoons of water)
- 30 ml oil
- 1 cup of flour (about 120 g) mixed with a teaspoon of baking powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa
- Essences to taste (vanilla, rum, etc.)

For the cream:
- 1 pack of butter (about 250 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa
- Rum essence
- 2 egg yolks (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the glaze:
- 100 g chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml liquid cream

For the syrup:
- 100 g sugar
- 100 ml water

The history of the Amandina cake

The Amandina cake has its roots in culinary tradition, where sweets have always been a symbol of hospitality. This simple yet elegant recipe has evolved over time, becoming a popular choice due to its fine texture and blend of flavors.

Step by step: Preparing the Amandina cake

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping.

2. Beating the egg whites: Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form a stiff foam, gradually adding the sugar. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. The egg whites should form stiff peaks, similar to meringue.

3. Mixing the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, essence, and caramelized sugar syrup. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites and gently fold with a spatula, using circular movements to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

5. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa over the egg mixture. Mix gently to achieve a smooth batter without lumps.

6. Baking: Pour the batter into a rectangular pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Melting the butter: In a small pot, melt the butter, but not completely. Leave some unmelted pieces for a richer cream.

2. Mixing the butter: Use a mixer to beat the melted butter until creamy. This process will take a few minutes.

3. Adding the sugar: Add the sugar and continue mixing until it dissolves completely.

4. Including cocoa and rum: Add the cocoa and rum essence, mixing well. If you choose to use yolks, add them now and mix until combined.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pot, caramelize the sugar until golden, then extinguish it with 100 ml of cold water. Allow it to cool completely, stirring occasionally to dissolve.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the base: Once the base has cooled, cut it into two equal parts.

2. Soaking the bases: Place one part of the base on a platter and soak it evenly with the syrup.

3. Adding the cream: Spread the cream over the soaked base, smoothing it out well. Place the other part of the base on top and soak it as well.

Step 5: Glazing

1. Preparing the glaze: In a pot, melt the chocolate together with the butter and liquid cream. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency.

2. Applying the glaze: Allow the glaze to cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cake.

3. Cooling: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour so that the glaze sets.

Serving and variations

Once the cake has cooled well, you can slice it and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or even chocolate cream. Another delicious idea is to add some fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, which pair perfectly with chocolate.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze: dark, milk, or white chocolate for a personalized taste.
- If you want to add an extra flavor, you can replace the rum essence with almond essence.

Nutritional benefits

The Amandina cake, although a delicious dessert, also contains beneficial ingredients, such as cocoa, which is rich in antioxidants and can have positive effects on heart health. When consumed in moderation, it can be an integral part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole flour or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may vary.

2. How can I store the Amandina cake?
It is best to keep it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness. It can be consumed even after a few days, but it will surely disappear quickly!

3. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend glazing it after thawing to preserve its appearance and taste.

Conclusion

The Amandina cake is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can quickly become your favorite and that of your loved ones. With a fluffy base, rich cream, and fine glaze, this delicacy is perfect for sweetening any moment of the day. Don't hesitate to share the result with family and friends; they will surely be impressed by your culinary talent! Bon appétit!