Chinese cake

Chinese cake is a dessert that, although it bears an exotic name, is accessible to anyone passionate about baking. This cake combines a fluffy texture with a sweet glaze, having an intense flavor of nuts and chocolate, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, full of flavors and joy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 5 egg whites
- 200 grams of butter (at room temperature)
- 150 grams of powdered sugar
- 200 grams of walnuts (ground)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa (high quality)
- 60 grams of flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt

*For the glaze:*
- 5 egg yolks
- 100 grams of powdered sugar
- 30 grams of milk chocolate (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:

We start by preparing the base. It is important that the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation. In a large bowl, mix the butter with the powdered sugar until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored foam. This process will add air to the mixture, making the cake lighter.

2. Beating the egg whites:

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or a whisk until the egg whites become a firm foam. Make sure the bowl and utensils are completely dry; otherwise, the egg whites will not have the desired consistency.

3. Combining the ingredients:

Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the butter mixture using a spatula. It is essential to do this with gentle movements to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts, cocoa, sifted flour, and baking powder. This step is crucial as it will ensure the uniformity of the dry ingredients. Add this mixture to the butter and egg whites, continuing to mix gently. Finally, add the vanilla essence for an extra flavor.

4. Baking the base:

Prepare a 22/24 cm baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level it evenly. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and place the base in for 20 minutes.

5. Preparing the glaze:

While the base is baking, prepare the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until they become light in color and fluffy. This glaze will add a sweet note and a shiny appearance to the cake.

6. Finishing the baking:

After 20 minutes, remove the base from the oven and pour the glaze evenly over it. Place the cake back in the oven for another 10-12 minutes, until the glaze is well set.

7. Decorating the cake:

Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Grate the chocolate on top for a delicious and attractive decoration.

8. Portioning and serving:

Let the cake cool completely, then cut it into squares and serve. It is delicious both warm and at room temperature, and pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or aromatic coffee.

Practical tips:

- Ingredient substitutions: If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of powdered sugar.

- Vegan version: For a vegan cake, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a mixture of mashed banana or applesauce.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is rich in walnuts, which provide proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. Cocoa has beneficial antioxidants, and using powdered sugar in moderate amounts makes the dessert a healthier choice compared to many other sweets.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, pecans or almonds can be successfully used instead of regular walnuts.
- How can I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for a longer duration, but make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezing.

The Chinese cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is an experience that combines tradition with innovation, bringing a touch of happiness in every slice. So, do not hesitate to prepare it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!