Amandine

Amandine – The Soft Delight with Rum Flavor

If you are looking for a quick and sophisticated dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day, the Amandine recipe is the ideal choice. This chocolate cake, with a fluffy texture and fine cream, perfectly combines the rich flavors of cocoa and rum. I will tell you about the essential ingredients, the preparation steps, useful tricks, and some variations that can transform your dessert into a culinary masterpiece. Sounds good? Let’s get started!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 12

The Story of Amandines

Amandines are a classic cake, famous in many cultures, often associated with moments of celebration and joy. It is said to have been created from the desire to combine a fluffy texture with an intense chocolate flavor, while the essence of rum adds a touch of refinement. This recipe is not just a dessert, but an invitation to sweet memories and unforgettable moments with loved ones.

Ingredients for the Base

- 6 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 cup of flour

Ingredients for the Cream

- 1 package (250 g) of butter or margarine at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 200 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 4-6 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 2 egg yolks

Ingredients for the Syrup

- 200 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

Step by Step: Preparing the Amandines

1. Preparing the Base

1. Separating the Eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the whites, as they will not whip well if contaminated.

2. Whipping the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until a shiny and firm meringue forms. A little trick is to use a metal bowl, as it helps achieve a more stable foam.

3. Mixing the Yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil until you obtain a creamy composition. This is the moment to add the rum essence, to infuse the base with flavor.

4. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder to the yolk mixture. Gently fold with a spatula, to avoid losing air from the mixture.

5. Combining the Mixtures: Gradually fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful to use gentle up-and-down motions to keep the air in the egg whites.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a smaller baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once the base is baked, let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the Cream

1. Boiling the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. It is essential not to let the mixture boil too much, otherwise, the cream will become grainy.

2. Adding the Yolks: After the cream has cooled slightly, add the two egg yolks and the rum essence. Mix well to obtain a smooth and shiny cream.

3. Assembling the Amandines

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

2. Preparing the Syrup: Boil the water with the sugar and the rum essence until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup cool slightly.

3. Soaking the Base: Using a brush, soak each layer of the base with the prepared syrup to give it moisture and flavor.

4. Spreading the Cream: Spread half of the obtained cream on the first part of the base, then place the second part on top and cover with the remaining cream.

5. Decorating: You can decorate the cake with a chocolate sauce or grated chocolate for an elegant look. A personal detail I recommend is to add some chopped nuts on top for an extra texture.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Quality Ingredients: Choose quality ingredients, especially chocolate and butter, to achieve a perfect taste. Butter with a high-fat content (80%) will provide a richer cream.

- Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute the flour with almond flour or rice flour for a gluten-free version. You will get a different, yet equally delicious taste.

- Alternative Sweeteners: If you want a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantities according to the desired sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why didn’t my base rise?
Make sure you used fresh eggs and whipped the egg whites sufficiently. The baking powder must be active, so check the expiration date.

2. Can I freeze the Amandines?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but make sure it is well covered to avoid drying out. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. How do I keep the Amandines fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but no more than 3-4 days.

Serving

Amandines are perfect alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast of textures.

This Amandine recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will surely become a family favorite. Try making it and share your creation with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!