Amandine

The almond dessert is a true culinary gem, a cake with an intense cocoa flavor, a fine texture, and a glaze that will make you fall in love with every bite. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, an anniversary, or simply a relaxing evening at home. So, let's venture together into the delicious world of almond cake!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients
For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 150 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 30 ml of oil
- 30 ml of water
- a pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 300 ml of water
- 100 g of sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons of cappuccino (or coffee)
- a splash of rum essence

For the cream:
- 1 pack of margarine (or butter)
- 200 g of powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- a splash of rum essence
- 3-4 tablespoons of milk

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

Preparing the base
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.

2. Mixing the yolks: In a bowl, mix the yolks with the oil until you have a homogeneous and slightly frothy mixture.

3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a stiff and shiny foam. This step will ensure the base is airy.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Add the yolk mixture over the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula from the bottom of the bowl to the top. Be delicate so you don't lose the air in the egg whites.

5. Including the dry ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt, then mix gently. Finally, incorporate the water and homogenize everything.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a 20x30 cm baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35-40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the syrup
1. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cappuccino. Boil for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Adding the essence: Turn off the heat and add the rum essence. Let the syrup cool.

Preparing the cream
1. Creating the yolk mixture: In a bowl, mix the yolks with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, cocoa, and milk. Place the mixture over a double boiler and stir constantly for 3 minutes.

2. Cooling the mixture: Once the mixture has thickened, let it cool.

3. Preparing the cream: In another bowl, mix the partially melted margarine (or butter) with the remaining powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy. Start incorporating the cooled cocoa mixture into the margarine cream, mixing well. Add the rum essence for an aromatic flavor.

Preparing the glaze
1. Melting the ingredients: Over low heat, combine the chocolate, butter, and liquid cream in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until you obtain a smooth glaze.

Assembling the cake
1. Cutting the base: Once the base has cooled, cut it in half horizontally.

2. Applying the syrup: Using a brush, apply half of the syrup to the first half of the base.

3. Adding the cream: Spread the cream evenly over the base, then place the second half of the base on top. Repeat the process with the remaining syrup.

4. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to firm up well.

5. Glazing: Once the cake has cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over it, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges. A wonderful idea is to decorate with a dollop of whipped cream on each serving when serving.

Serving and combinations
Almond cake pairs excellently with a cup of coffee or a flavored cappuccino, having these alongside will enhance the intense flavors of the cake. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a delicious contrast between warm and cold.

Useful tips
- Types of cocoa: Choose a high-quality cocoa to achieve an intense flavor in the cake. Pure cocoa will provide a richer taste.
- Sugar alternative: If you want to reduce sugar, you can use natural sweeteners, but make sure to respect the proportions to avoid altering the texture.
- Fruit version: For a fresher version, you can add slices of banana or raspberries between the layers, bringing a pleasant contrast between the intense chocolate flavor and the sweetness of the fruit.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the proportions to achieve the desired consistency.
- How can I keep the almond cake longer? The cake keeps excellently in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze the almond cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake after it has been assembled, but it is recommended to glaze it only after thawing to preserve its appearance and texture.

Almond cake is not just a dessert, but an experience! Each bite will transport you to a world of flavors and textures, and making it will surely become a pleasant memory. Don't hesitate to try it and bring a touch of joy to every day!