Chinese Cake

Walnut and Chocolate Cake – A Delight for Sweet Lovers!

In a world full of desserts, there are moments when we crave a cake that fills our soul and offers a perfect combination of flavors. The walnut and chocolate cake, with its rich texture and intense taste, is the ideal choice for those who love sweets with personality. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also become the star of festive meals or gatherings with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 200 grams of butter (or margarine, as preferred)
- 180 grams of granulated sugar
- 140 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 150 grams of ground walnuts
- 170 grams of powdered sugar

For the glaze:
- 50 grams of butter
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa
- 6 tablespoons of milk

For decoration:
- White chocolate (optional)

A Brief History of the Recipe

This cake is a true symbol of comfort and joy brought by desserts, having deep roots in culinary traditions. The combination of walnuts and chocolate is a classic that has delighted generations, turning any meal into a celebration. Whether served at anniversaries, parties, or simply on an ordinary day, this cake promises unforgettable moments.

Step by step: How to prepare walnut and chocolate cake

1. Preparing the base
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base, so make sure no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites. Use a large bowl for the egg whites and a medium one for the yolks.

2. Beating the egg whites
Use an electric mixer and beat the egg whites until they form a firm foam. This will add an airy texture to your base.

3. Mixing the yolks
In another bowl, mix the yolks with the powdered sugar. Whisk until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This is a crucial step as it brings sweetness and a rich flavor to the cake.

4. Preparing the buttercream
In a separate bowl, beat the butter (or margarine) together with the granulated sugar until completely dissolved. Then add the yolk mixture and mix well.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients
To the buttercream, add the flour mixed with baking powder and ground walnuts. These ingredients will give the cake a rich flavor and pleasant texture. Once incorporated, gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.

6. Baking the base
Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges of the cake pull away slightly from the pan. Check with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the base is ready!

7. Preparing the yolk meringue
After removing the base from the oven, prepare the yolk meringue. Beat the yolks with a small part of the powdered sugar until they become frothy and airy. Spread the meringue evenly over the baked base and return the cake to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the meringue becomes matte and firm.

8. Preparing the glaze
In a small saucepan, add the butter, cocoa, sugar, and milk. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously for 5 minutes or until the butter completely melts and you achieve a creamy glaze. Once removed from heat, let it cool for 3 minutes.

9. Decorating the cake
Once the glaze has cooled, spread it evenly over the entire surface of the cake. If you want a special decoration, you can melt white chocolate in the microwave and, using the tip of a toothpick, create stars or other shapes.

10. Cooling and serving
Allow the cake to cool completely. After it has cooled, cut it into squares and enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Useful tips

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps with better homogenization.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the yolk mixture.
- If you like crunchy textures, add some additional ground walnuts or chocolate pieces to the batter.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the walnuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can experiment with ground almonds or even coconut flakes for a tropical version of the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a pleasant contrast.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A walnut and chocolate cake pairs excellently with a creamy cappuccino or a fruit tea.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake contains approximately 350 calories per serving, boasting healthy fats from walnuts and butter, as well as carbohydrates from sugar and flour. Walnuts provide protein and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

This walnut and chocolate cake is not just a simple delicacy, but a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Prepare it with love and give your loved ones the chance to savor a piece of happiness! Enjoy!