Black woman

Quick Chocolate and Walnut Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn't sometimes crave a quick and delicious dessert that brings a smile to their face? This chocolate and walnut cake is perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but don't have much time. With a moist and flavorful texture, this cake can be enjoyed plain or with a decadent chocolate glaze. Here’s how to prepare it in a few simple steps.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ground walnuts
- 100 g of raisins
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 rum essence
- 1 jar of jam (apricot for a sweeter taste, but other types can be used)
- Grated orange or lemon zest
- A pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 200 g of dark chocolate (good quality for an intense taste)
- 4-5 tablespoons of milk
- 50 g of butter or margarine

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have everything on hand to make the cooking process as efficient as possible. If you don’t have ground walnuts, you can easily grind them in a blender or chop them finely.

2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, ground walnuts, cocoa, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well so that all the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the water, oil, vanilla and rum essences, jam, and grated orange or lemon zest. All these flavors will combine to create a savory taste that will give the cake a distinct character.

4. Combining the mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous composition. There’s no need to mix too much; a quick blend is sufficient.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a tray (about 30x20 cm) with oil and dust it with flour, ensuring it is evenly covered. This step will prevent the cake from sticking.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

7. Preparing the glaze: Once the cake has cooled, you can prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, place the broken chocolate, milk, and butter. Set the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the chocolate completely melts and the ingredients are combined.

8. Glazing the cake: Pour the hot glaze over the cake, ensuring it is evenly covered. Use a knife to level the glaze so that it looks perfect. Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into squares.

9. Serving: This cake is perfect to be served with coffee or tea, but it can also be a delicious dessert after a family dinner. You can add a scoop of whipped cream or ice cream next to the cake for an extra treat.

Useful tips:
- You can customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips or different flavors, such as cinnamon, for an exotic touch.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- For an elegant look, you can sprinkle almond flakes or ground walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Walnuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and the jam adds a fruity note, providing vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties, being beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. You may need to adjust the liquid quantity.
- What other flavors can I use instead of rum essence? You can try almond or orange essences, which pair perfectly with chocolate.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, it’s recommended to store it in the fridge.

This quick chocolate and walnut cake is ideal for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious dessert. It will surely bring you joy and is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and customize it to your liking!