Cake with hazelnuts, almonds, and caramelized walnuts

Hazelnut, Almond, and Caramelized Nut Cake: A Delicacy for Special Moments

The hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cake is a remarkable recipe, perfect for any festive occasion. This refined combination of nuts and flavors will delight the taste buds of all your guests, turning each slice into an unparalleled culinary experience. Whether you're preparing for an anniversary, a holiday party, or simply a gathering with friends, this cake will surely be the star of your table.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of fine sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 70 g hazelnuts, almonds, and caramelized nuts (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cream:
- 250 g hazelnuts, almonds, and whole nuts
- 150 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 70 g fine sugar
- 70 g butter (at room temperature)
- 70 ml heavy cream

Preparing the sponge:

1. Start by preparing the sponge. Separate the egg whites from the yolks and place them in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and begin to beat them at medium speed. When the foam starts to form, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes firm and glossy.

2. Add the yolks one at a time, continuing to mix at low speed to incorporate the ingredients well.

3. Chop the hazelnuts, almonds, and caramelized nuts with a knife, then add them to the egg mixture. Incorporate the vanilla extract to add an aromatic note.

4. Sift the flour together with the cocoa powder to prevent lumps from forming and gradually add the mixture using a spatula. Gently fold from the bottom up until the ingredients are perfectly integrated.

5. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes. Test if the sponge is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the sponge is perfectly baked.

Preparing the hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cream:

1. Start by lightly toasting the hazelnuts, almonds, and nuts in the oven to enhance their flavor. Allow them to cool.

2. In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When the sugar turns into a golden syrup, add the toasted hazelnuts, almonds, and nuts. Stir continuously to coat them evenly with caramel.

3. Spread the nut mixture onto aluminum foil and let it cool completely. Once cooled, chop them with a knife, then pulse them in a food processor to obtain fine granules.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the fine sugar, then place the mixture over a double boiler. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the cubed butter, stirring gently to incorporate. Allow the cream to reach room temperature.

5. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until firm, then fold it into the egg and butter cream. Finally, add the caramelized nut granules and mix well.

Assembling and decorating the cake:

1. Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts. Prepare a syrup from water, sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to soak the layers.

2. Place the first layer on a serving platter and generously soak it with the syrup. Add a portion of the hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cream, saving some for decoration. Cover with the second layer and press down gently.

3. Frost the cake with the remaining cream, ensuring it is evenly covered. Decorate with hazelnuts, almonds, and caramelized nuts on top for an attractive and appetizing appearance.

Serving and suggestions:

This hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cake is perfectly served alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. You can also experiment with warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast. Additionally, pairing the cake with vanilla ice cream will add a refreshing touch.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

The cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients such as hazelnuts and nuts, which are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. A serving (approximately 150 g) has around 350-400 calories but also provides a good dose of antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Possible variations:

To add a personal touch, you can replace hazelnuts with pecans or pistachios, and for a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rum to the butter cream. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate to create a more decadent version of this cake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor and a richer color.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. Make sure it's well wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. How can I make the cake easier?
For a quick version, you can use a pre-made cake base and focus on preparing the cream.

In conclusion, the hazelnut, almond, and caramelized nut cake is an excellent choice to bring a touch of elegance and flavor to any occasion. Each slice offers an explosion of textures and flavors, making it a true delight for the senses. Don't hesitate to experiment with ingredients and decorations to make it truly your own!