Chestnut cream cake

Chestnut Cream Cake - A Flavorful and Fluffy Delight

When it comes to desserts that impress, chestnut cream cake proves to be an exceptional choice. This recipe combines a fluffy base with a fine cream, resulting in a delight that will enchant all the senses. It is a dessert suitable for both special occasions and personal indulgence. Let's discover together how to prepare this wonderful cake, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the cream:
- 300 g chestnut puree
- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 240 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is important that the temperature is correct to achieve a fluffy base.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a firm, glossy meringue.
- In another bowl, beat the egg yolks. Once the egg whites are ready, add the beaten yolks over the meringue.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do this with delicate movements to avoid losing the air in the mixture.
- Line a 28 cm pan with baking paper and pour the mixture evenly into the pan. This is the moment to add a little vanilla sugar for extra flavor, if desired.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, but check occasionally with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, the base is ready.

2. Preparing the cream:
- In a saucepan, pour in the milk and add the sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the milk boils, remove it from the heat and gradually pour it over the beaten egg yolks, stirring vigorously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Return the mixture to low heat and cook until it thickens, stirring constantly. This step is essential to achieve a creamy texture.
- Once the cream has thickened, let it cool. Once cooled, add the chestnut puree, two tablespoons at a time, mixing well until smooth. Finally, add the rum essence, which will add extra flavor.

3. Assembling the cake:
- Once the base has completely cooled, remove it from the pan and cut it into two or three layers, depending on your preference.
- Spread the chestnut cream evenly between the layers. If desired, you can also add grated chocolate or nuts for an interesting texture.
- Cover the cake with the remaining cream, and for an elegant look, you can decorate with some glazed chestnuts or chocolate slices.

4. Serving and storing:
- It is best to let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the cream to set and the flavors to develop. Serve it with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of tea for an unforgettable experience.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

Useful tips:
- Use room temperature eggs for a more stable meringue.
- Chestnut puree can be replaced with avocado or pumpkin puree for a healthier option.
- If you love chocolate, you can add extra cocoa to the cream or use a cocoa base for a richer cake.

Nutritional benefits:
This chestnut cream cake is a good source of energy due to the carbohydrate content from flour and sugar. Chestnuts are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, B6, and potassium, and have a low fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can experiment with honey or natural sweeteners, but you will need to adjust the quantities.
- How can I make the cake less caloric? You can reduce the amount of sugar and use whole flour instead of white flour.

This chestnut cream cake will surely become a favorite among your friends and family. Whether you prepare it for a birthday, a family gathering, or simply to indulge yourself, the result will definitely be delicious and memorable! Enjoy!