Cake...sweet mornings

The "Sweet Mornings" cake is a delicacy that combines textures and flavors, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This recipe is not only delicious but also a true pleasure to prepare. The fluffy base, smooth cream, and shiny glaze turn each slice into a little joy. Let's explore together how to bring this wonderful cake to life!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 8 egg whites
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)

*For the cream:*
- 8 egg yolks
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon NES (instant coffee)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 200 g crushed (roasted) walnuts
- 1 package of butter (approximately 200 g)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Rum essence (to taste)
- Cherries (for decoration)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the base: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Now, take a medium-sized baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) and grease it with oil, then dust it with flour. This step is essential to ensure that the base does not stick to the tray, so don’t skip it!

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until you get a firm foam. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base, so make sure the bowl is completely clean and dry.

3. Adding the sugar: While continuing to mix, gradually add the granulated sugar. Keep beating until the mixture becomes glossy and forms soft peaks.

4. Incorporating the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

5. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts, flour, and baking powder. Start incorporating them into the egg mixture, stirring gently from top to bottom.

6. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the base passes the toothpick test. When done, let it cool completely in the tray.

7. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, beat the 8 egg yolks with the powdered sugar until creamy. Then, add the NES, mixing well. Transfer the mixture to a double boiler and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

8. Incorporating the flour and walnuts: Once the cream has thickened, add the 2 tablespoons of flour and mix again. Let the cream cool slightly, then incorporate the whipped butter. Add the roasted and crushed walnuts, stirring gently.

9. Assembling the cake: Once the base has cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Fill the first half with the delicious cream, then place the other half on top.

10. Preparing the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa, oil, boiling water, and rum essence. Mix well until you achieve a smooth glaze. Pour over the cake and level with a spatula.

11. Finalizing: Decorate with cherries for a festive look and let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving.

Useful tips:
- You can add a personal touch by replacing the walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios for a different flavor.
- If you want a fluffier cake, make sure the egg whites are beaten well and that you incorporate them carefully into the mixture.
- The cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream will complement the taste perfectly.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use free-range eggs?
Yes, free-range eggs will give a more intense flavor to the cake, and the yolks will be more vibrant in color.

2. How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

3. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, but always check the equivalence between granulated sugar and the chosen sweetener to avoid compromising the texture.

Each serving of this cake will turn ordinary mornings into unforgettable sweet moments. So, share it with your loved ones and enjoy every bite!