Black cake with lots of nuts and raisins

Nut cake with lots of walnuts and raisins: a cake with soul

When it comes to desserts, there are a few recipes that instantly become family favorites. Nut cake with lots of walnuts and raisins is definitely one of them. This delicious, rich, and aromatic cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a party, or simply an afternoon with loved ones. So, let’s get to work and discover together how to prepare this cake step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1 package of butter (200 g)
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 400 g walnuts (200 g finely ground and 200 g chopped into larger pieces)
- 100 g raisins
- 1 cup of milk
- orange essence
- grated orange peel
- a pinch of salt

Preparing the nut cake with walnuts and raisins:

1. Preparing the cocoa mixture: Start by placing the butter in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well, using a mixer or spatula. Continue by adding the 4 tablespoons of cocoa, a pinch of salt, and the milk, stirring constantly. Place the mixture on low heat, stirring until completely homogenized. Then, let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam. This will give the cake a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the walnuts and raisins: In the cooled cocoa mixture, set aside 4-5 tablespoons for decoration. In the remaining mixture, add the essence and grated orange peel, flour, ground walnuts, and raisins. Gently mix to incorporate the ingredients.

4. Incorporating the egg whites: Gradually add the egg white foam to the cocoa mixture, mixing with a spatula, using gentle up-and-down motions to avoid losing the air in the egg whites.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking pan with butter and flour, ensuring it is evenly covered. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan. In the meantime, for decoration, melt the reserved cocoa mixture, adding a teaspoon of oil to give it a nice shine. Pour it over the cake and decorate with a few cherries from jam or whole walnuts for a more rustic look.

Serving and combinations: The nut cake with lots of walnuts and raisins can be enjoyed plain, but if you want to turn it into a real feast, you can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. Additionally, a caramel sauce would add an extra layer of flavor.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a little cinnamon or vanilla to the cocoa mixture.
- The raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum to make them juicier.
- For a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is an excellent source of energy due to the nuts and natural sugars from the raisins. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, while cocoa provides antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can try almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- What is the secret to getting a fluffy nut cake? The secret lies in beating the egg whites until very firm and carefully incorporating them.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen without any problems. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap.

The nut cake with lots of walnuts and raisins is more than just a simple cake; it is a sweet memory, a joy shared with loved ones. By preparing it, you will bring a touch of happiness into your home, and each slice will be an invitation to stories and smiles. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and let your creativity shine in the kitchen.