Camelia Cake

Camelia Cake Recipe - A classic delight brought to the heart of your home

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

A recipe with a beautiful story, the Camelia cake is a dessert that blends tradition with flavor, holding a special place in the memories of many of us. This cake, with its delicious layers of dough and walnut cream, is perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and it also brings a touch of joy to festive days.

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 pack of Rama margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 240 g sugar
- 240 g flour
- 1 teaspoon ammonia (for a fluffy texture)
- 100 g chopped and ground walnuts
- about 200 ml milk
- 2-3 sachets of vanilla sugar
- apricot jam (approximately 200 g)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa

Steps to prepare the Camelia cake:

1. Preparing the base layer: In a large bowl, cream the margarine (or butter) with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture, almost like a foam. This is the key to a light cake. Add the egg yolks, the ammonia dissolved in a little vinegar or lemon juice (to activate the ammonia), and mix well.

2. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture should be smooth and easy to spread.

3. Preparing the egg whites: Beat the egg whites until they become firm and glossy. Start incorporating them into the mixture above, with slow movements from top to bottom, to keep the air in the egg whites.

4. Dividing the mixture: Divide the dough into three equal parts. In one part, add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well.

5. Baking the layers: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread each part of the dough in the tray, baking each layer for 10-12 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Let the layers cool on a rack.

6. Preparing the walnut cream: In a container, add the ground walnuts, vanilla sugar, and milk. Cook the mixture in a double boiler, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This cream will add a rich and flavorful texture to your cake.

7. Assembling the cake: Once the layers have cooled, start assembling. Place the first white layer, spread a generous layer of apricot jam, add the second layer (with cocoa), followed by the walnut cream, and then cover with the last white layer.

8. Glazing (optional): You can choose to glaze the cake with melted chocolate or, for a rustic look, sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the cake sit in the fridge for a few hours (ideally overnight) for the flavors to meld. Cut into servings and serve with a warm drink, such as mint tea or flavored coffee.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the walnut cream.
- Replace the apricot jam with plum or raspberry jam for a different flavor.
- Use roasted nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the walnuts, and carbohydrates from the sugar and flour. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, thus benefiting heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter will add a richer flavor to the cake.

2. What type of jam can I use?
You can experiment with any type of jam you like, but apricot jam pairs excellently with walnuts.

3. How can I keep the cake longer?
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It can be consumed even after a few days.

The Camelia cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends. It will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with family and will be appreciated by all who enjoy it. Enjoy!