Cake with icing and walnuts

Chocolate and Walnut Glazed Cake - A Light and Tasty Delight

When it comes to desserts, some recipes resonate with us and remind us of special moments from childhood or gatherings with loved ones. The chocolate and walnut glazed cake is one of those recipes that embraces you with its sweet aroma, offering a moment of indulgence throughout the day. With simple ingredients and an accessible preparation process, this cake transforms into a delicious dessert that will impress any guest.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the batter:
- 300 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 5 g margarine
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 200 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg

For the glaze:
- 250 g margarine
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1 essence of rum
- 100 g chocolate (preferably dark for an intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- Ground walnuts / coconut / ground hazelnuts (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the batter:
In a large bowl, start by mixing the margarine with the sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is essential as the air introduced at this stage will help achieve a fluffy texture.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Add the egg, honey, and milk, mixing well after each ingredient. It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.

3. Combining dry ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or mixer until you obtain a uniform batter. It should not be soft but rather have a slightly elastic consistency.

4. Baking the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan with margarine and line it with flour or parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level it with a spatula. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

5. Preparing the glaze:
In a saucepan, combine the milk with the sugar, cocoa, and chocolate broken into pieces. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and add the margarine and rum essence, mixing well to obtain a smooth and shiny glaze.

6. Glazing the cake:
Cut the cake into square or round pieces, depending on your preference. Dip each piece in the glaze, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, roll the pieces in ground walnuts, coconut, or ground hazelnuts, according to your taste.

7. Finalizing:
Let the cake sit in the refrigerator to allow the glaze to penetrate well into each piece. It is recommended to wait until the next day to enjoy the cake, but if you can't resist, you can serve it immediately!

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate to achieve a glaze with varied flavors. For example, you can use white chocolate for a sweeter glaze.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute margarine with coconut oil and use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before glazing it; otherwise, the glaze will melt.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but can also be served with vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains ingredients rich in carbohydrates, providing you with energy, as well as healthy fats from nuts, which are a good source of protein and essential fatty acids. Of course, it is a dessert and should be consumed in moderation, but it can certainly bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of sweeteners?
Yes, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia, but adjust the quantities according to their sweetness strength.

2. How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for a few days.

3. What can I do with leftover glaze?
You can use the leftover glaze to cover other desserts like cookies or cupcakes.

This chocolate and walnut glazed cake is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to share special moments with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds, it will surely become a staple recipe in your culinary pantry!