Brath Cake

Brath Cake: A Delight That Charms

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

Are you looking for a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of a cake with the intense flavor of coffee and the sweetness of nuts? The Brath Cake is the perfect choice! This delicious cake is not only easy to prepare but also extremely appealing for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a party or simply as a sweet snack, it will surely become everyone's favorite in no time.

A Touch of History

The Brath Cake has deep roots in pastry tradition, inspired by rich and flavorful desserts created over time. This cake combines simple yet distinctive ingredients, offering an explosion of flavors and textures. Nuts, coffee, and chocolate are classic combinations that never go out of style.

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 140 g sugar
- 140 g ground nuts
- 100 g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder

For the cream:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 6 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water
- 200 g powdered sugar

For the glaze:
- 150 g milk chocolate
- 60 ml liquid cream

Ingredient Details

- Eggs: Use fresh eggs, preferably from free-range chickens, for better taste and fluffier texture.
- Nuts: You can use Romanian nuts or other types like almonds or hazelnuts to vary the flavor. Make sure they are finely ground to incorporate well into the batter.
- Instant Coffee: Choose a quality instant coffee, as it will significantly influence the cream's flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your preferences for a stronger or milder taste.
- Chocolate: Milk chocolate adds a touch of sweetness, but you can also experiment with dark or white chocolate, depending on your personal preferences.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base, so don’t skip it.

2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. It’s important to use a clean bowl to achieve a stable foam.

3. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and you obtain a firm meringue.

4. Incorporate the yolks, one at a time, gently folding with a spatula. It’s important not to mix too vigorously to avoid deflating the egg whites.

5. Sift the flour and baking powder over the egg mixture and the ground nuts. Gently fold from top to bottom using the spatula, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined.

6. Line a 35/25 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface.

7. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once the base is ready, let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. In a bowl, beat the butter at room temperature with the powdered sugar until creamy and light in color.

2. Add the yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

3. Dissolve the instant coffee in warm water and incorporate it into the butter mixture, mixing well. This cream will add not only a delicious flavor but also a velvety texture.

4. Once the base has cooled completely, spread the cream evenly on its surface.

5. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes so that the cream sets.

Step 3: Preparing the Glaze

1. In a pan, melt the milk chocolate together with the liquid cream over a double boiler. This melting method prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth glaze.

2. Once the chocolate has completely melted, let it cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the coffee cream.

3. Leave the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This waiting time will allow the glaze to set beautifully.

Practical Cooking Tips

- Cooking Check: Use the toothpick test to check if the base is done. If the toothpick comes out clean, the base is perfectly baked.
- Cooling the Base: Don’t skip the cooling step for the base. Stopping the baking process is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.
- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with banana puree or applesauce.
- Serving: The Brath Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. For a pleasant contrast, you can add a spoonful of sour cream or whipped cream on top of each serving.

Nutritional Benefits

The Brath Cake offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats from nuts, and a moderate amount of sugar. Nuts are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, while coffee contains antioxidants that may support cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How can I store the cake? The Brath Cake stores well in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
- Can I use other nuts? Absolutely! Experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- Can I add fruit to the cream? Yes, you can add some berries for an extra touch of freshness and acidity.

The Brath Cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. So, put on your chef's apron and prepare this delicacy for yourself and your loved ones! Enjoy!