Bitter chocolate cake with nuts

Captivating dark chocolate and walnut cake recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

I present to you a recipe for a dark chocolate and walnut cake that will quickly become your favorite. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, perfect for any occasion. The dark chocolate brings an intense and deep flavor, while the walnuts add a wonderful crunchy texture. Let's begin the culinary adventure!

A brief history

Chocolate cakes have a rich history, being appreciated for centuries. The dark chocolate used in this recipe is notable for its complexity in balancing sweetness with bitterness, and combining it with walnuts is a classic choice, adding extra flavor and nutrition. This recipe has been passed down through generations, perfect for both festive meals and personal indulgence moments.

Ingredients

- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 125 g unsalted butter
- 200 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 50 g walnuts, finely chopped (not ground)
- Powdered sugar with vanilla flavor, for decoration
- Whole walnuts, for decoration (optional)

Necessary utensils

- Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A mixing bowl
- Mixer or whisk for beating egg whites
- Baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm)
- Baking paper (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients and letting them sit at room temperature for maximum flavor. Preheat the oven to 180°C (200°C is too much for delicate cakes).

2. Melting the chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, add the dark chocolate broken into small pieces and the butter cut into cubes. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie technique) and stir gently until completely melted. Make sure no water gets into the chocolate, otherwise it may spoil.

3. Mixing the egg yolks with sugar
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar using a mixer or whisk. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous, light-colored mixture.

4. Adding the chocolate
Once the chocolate and butter have melted, let them cool slightly, then add them to the egg yolk mixture. Mix well to integrate the chocolate.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Add the chopped walnuts and flour, gently mixing with the spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

6. Preparing the egg whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Ideally, use a stainless steel or glass bowl, as these do not retain fat. When the egg whites become frothy, gradually add them to the chocolate mixture, carefully folding from top to bottom.

7. Baking the cake
Grease the tray with butter or line it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick – it should come out clean when done.

8. Cooling and decorating
After the cake has completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar with vanilla flavor on top. You can also add a few whole walnuts for a more attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions

This dark chocolate and walnut cake is wonderful served plain, but you can accompany it with vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures. A cup of coffee or tea will also pair perfectly with this cake.

Practical tips

- Choosing the chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate with a cocoa content of over 70%. The more bitter it is, the deeper the cake's flavor will be.
- Walnuts: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Make sure they are fresh for the best taste.
- Gluten-free option: Replace the flour with a gluten-free version, such as almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, to adapt the recipe.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the cake will be much sweeter. You can reduce the amount of sugar if you choose to use milk chocolate.

2. How do I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can the recipe be adapted for a cake?
Yes, you can use the same mixture to make a cake. Make sure to adjust the baking time and use a cake pan with higher edges.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake contains approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can provide heart health benefits, while walnuts offer protein and healthy fats.

In conclusion, this dark chocolate and walnut cake is not just a simple recipe but a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. I invite you to make it and enjoy every bite!