Caramelized Nut Cake

Caramelized Walnut Cake - a sweet masterpiece, crispy and creamy, that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes it. This unique recipe combines moist sponge with delicious caramelized walnuts and a fine cream, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether it's a gathering with friends or a family celebration, this cake is sure to become a favorite!

Preparation Time and Servings
- Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

Caramelized Walnuts:
- 120 g walnuts (preferably California or Romanian for a richer taste)
- 100 g sugar

Sponge:
- 4 eggs (at room temperature for better mixing)
- 8 tablespoons cold water
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 g flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (for a subtle flavor)
- 220 g sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 50 g ground walnuts (adds a pleasant texture)
- Juice of half a lemon (for a fresh taste)

Cream:
- 100 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 egg
- 270 g sugar
- 1 packet 3-in-1 coffee (or instant coffee for an intense flavor)
- Vanilla essence (for a sweet aroma)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelizing the Walnuts
1. In a pan, put the sugar over medium heat and let it melt, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Once the sugar turns golden and has a liquid consistency, add the walnuts and mix well to coat them evenly.
3. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the caramelized walnuts onto aluminum foil. Use a rolling pin to crush them slightly, so you get smaller pieces.
4. Allow the walnuts to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Sponge
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 130 g of sugar for about 30 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
2. Gradually add the 8 tablespoons of cold water, 2 at a time every 5 minutes, mixing continuously. This will help aerate the mixture.
3. In another dish, mix the baking powder with the lemon juice and add it to the egg yolk mixture.
4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Then, gradually add the remaining sugar (90 g) and continue mixing until you obtain a firm meringue.
5. Sifting the flour, cocoa, and ground walnuts is essential. Gently fold them into the egg white mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
6. Combine the egg white mixture with the egg yolk mixture and mix with light, upward motions.
7. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure the sponge is baked.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream
1. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the sugar, flour, and egg, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
2. Once the mixture thickens, add the vanilla essence and the 3-in-1 coffee, mixing well.
3. Allow the cream to cool slightly, then incorporate the softened butter, mixing until completely smooth.
4. Add the caramelized walnuts, reserving some for decoration.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Once the sponge has cooled completely, cut it in half.
2. On the first layer of sponge, spread half of the cream and level it with a spatula.
3. Place the second layer of sponge on top and spread the remaining cream.
4. Sprinkle the remaining caramelized walnuts on top for a delicious and crispy finish.

Serving and Suggestions
Let the cake cool completely, then cut it into pieces and serve it with a cup of coffee or tea. The intense aroma of coffee will pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce would add an extra flavor boost.

Practical Tips
- Ingredient Modifications: If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream. You can also use grated dark chocolate instead of cocoa for a rich taste.
- Variations: You can try adding other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a varied texture.
- Storage: The cake stores well in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap, but it is recommended to consume it within 3-4 days to maintain its freshness.

Nutritional Benefits
Walnuts are excellent sources of healthy fats, proteins, and fiber, and the cake also contains carbohydrates from sugar and flour, providing quick energy. When consumed in moderation, this cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecan or hazelnuts are excellent options.
2. How can I make the sponge moister? You can drizzle a bit of sugar syrup over the sponge after baking.
3. Is it possible to make the cake without eggs? You can use egg substitutes like banana puree or yogurt.

This caramelized walnut cake is more than just a dessert; it's an experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. It will surely become a favorite recipe in your household! Happy cooking!