Caffeinated cake

Caffeinated Cake - A Delight for Coffee and Nut Lovers

I would like to invite you on a culinary journey full of flavor, where coffee and nuts intertwine in a delicious cake that will delight your senses. This caffeinated cake is perfect for all moments of indulgence, whether you enjoy it at breakfast, during a gathering with friends, or simply when you need a boost of energy. Let's get to work!

Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 1 packet (1.8 g) instant coffee
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the Cream:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 200 g sugar
- 300 ml milk
- 100 ml strong brewed coffee
- 150 g walnuts (large pieces)
- 1 tablespoon coffee essence
- 200 g soft margarine

For the Glaze:
- 200 g milk chocolate (you can use leftover holiday chocolate)
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon coffee essence

Step-by-Step Cake Preparation:

1. Preparing the Walnuts:
The first step is to deal with the walnuts. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Spread the ground walnuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake them for about 10 minutes. This will enhance the flavors and add a delicious taste to the cake. Once cooled, finely grind them, but keep some for decoration.

2. Preparing the Cake Base:
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes firm and glossy. Incorporate the yolks and mix gently.

In a separate bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the baking powder, instant coffee, and vanilla sugar. Add this mixture to the egg mixture, folding gently from the bottom up to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Finally, add the ground walnuts and mix carefully again.

Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the cake batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Once baked, remove the cake from the tray and let it cool.

3. Preparing the Cream:
For the cream, place the milk (keeping a few tablespoons for mixing with the pudding) in a saucepan and heat it until just about to boil. In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla pudding with the sugar and the few tablespoons of milk, then add this mixture to the hot milk. Stir constantly until it thickens.

Once the pudding is ready, remove it from the heat and add the soft margarine, stirring until it melts. Finally, add the coffee essence, the strong brewed coffee, and the chopped walnuts, mixing well.

4. Assembling the Cake:
Spread the cream evenly over the cooled cake base, ensuring you cover the entire surface.

5. Preparing the Glaze:
To add a final touch of flavor, melt the milk chocolate and liquid cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate is completely melted, add the oil and coffee essence, mixing well. Pour the glaze over the cream on the cake and let it cool for a few hours to set.

Serving and Suggestions:
After the cake has cooled and the glaze has set, cut it into squares and serve it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. It is perfect for a festive meal or to indulge in on chilly days.

Variations and Tips:
- You can add various flavors to the cream, such as a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum, for a more complex taste.
- Instead of coffee, you can experiment with other flavors, such as cocoa or white chocolate, to change the cake's flavor profile.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can replace some of the walnuts with roasted almonds.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein, while coffee provides an energy boost and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts? - Of course! Cashews or almonds can add an interesting touch to your cake.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? - You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and glaze or use dark chocolate.
3. Is it suitable for vegans? - You can make a vegan version by replacing the eggs with banana puree or chia seeds, and the margarine with coconut oil.

This caffeinated cake is not just a recipe, but a cooking experience that brings joy and flavor in every bite. I hope you enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share this delight with your loved ones!