Chocolate and Walnut Cake

Cocoa and Walnut Cake: A Fluffy and Aromatic Delight

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a cocoa and walnut cake, a simple yet special dessert that will delight any sweet lover. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavors and textures that blend perfectly. Whether you are just starting your culinary journey or are an experienced cook, this cake will surely become a favorite in your home.

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

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 cups of sugar
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 whole margarine (approximately 250 g)
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 100 g sliced walnuts (or more, to taste)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Rum essence (for an extra flavor)

Ingredient details:

Sugar is the base of our dessert, and choosing a quality sugar will influence the texture and moisture of the cake. Milk adds creaminess, and margarine will make the dessert soft and fluffy. Eggs are essential for providing structure and volume, while flour will bind all the ingredients together. Cocoa not only adds color but also an intense flavor, and the walnuts contribute a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the fluffiness of the cake.

Step by step: Making the cocoa and walnut cake

1. Preparing the glaze: In a saucepan, add the sugar, milk, and margarine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Continue stirring until it thickens slightly, like a delicious glaze. It is important to stir constantly to avoid burning. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, set aside 4-5 tablespoons of this mixture to use as a glaze on the cake after it is baked.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and add them to the warm mixture. Mix well to incorporate. Then add the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and rum essence. Stir everything with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to leave lumps.

3. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for giving the cake a light texture. Once you have achieved a firm foam, gradually fold it into the cocoa mixture, mixing gently to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

4. Adding the walnuts: Finally, add the sliced walnuts, stirring gently to distribute them evenly in the batter.

5. Baking: Prepare a round baking pan by greasing it with oil and dusting it with a little flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 40 minutes, but don’t forget to check with a toothpick in the last 10 minutes. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.

6. Glazing: After the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. This will add a glossy appearance and extra sweetness.

Serving suggestions:

For an extra flavor, you can serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with warm chocolate sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or herbal tea will pair perfectly with this dessert.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or crushed pistachios. You can also add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the batter to intensify the cocoa flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of this cake has approximately 250-300 calories, but it is rich in carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the walnuts. These are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids, contributing to heart health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use oil instead of margarine? Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. The oil will make the cake moister, but it won’t have the same fluffy consistency.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- What can I do if I don’t have cocoa? You can replace cocoa with carob powder for a healthier option.

In conclusion, this cocoa and walnut cake is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring a touch of joy to every day. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or to treat yourself after a long day, this dessert will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!