Chocolate and Walnut Cake

Chocolate and Walnut Cake – a delicious and easy recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

The history of chocolate and walnut cake goes back in time, with deep roots in baking tradition. This recipe combines decadent chocolate with the crunchy texture of roasted walnuts, resulting in a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a smile to the faces of loved ones. Ideal for a coffee snack or a dessert after dinner, this cake adds a touch of refinement and comfort.

Ingredients:
- 200 g walnuts
- 90 g chocolate (preferably with at least 70% cocoa content)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar + 4 additional tablespoons
- 6 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 20 ml rum or liqueur
- 125 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the glaze: Nutella, almond flakes

Step by step for a perfect cake:

1. Roasting the walnuts: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the walnuts on a baking tray and roast them for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant. This will enhance the flavor. Once cooled, finely grind them.

2. Grating the chocolate: Use a vegetable peeler to shave the chocolate. This method provides larger pieces than a grater, and the chocolate will melt more evenly in the batter. Keep the chocolate in the fridge until ready to use to keep it firm.

3. Preparing the butter mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with 100 g of sugar until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored cream. It is essential for the butter to be at room temperature for perfect homogenization.

4. Incorporating the eggs: Separate the eggs. Add the yolks one by one to the butter cream, mixing gently after each addition. This step will help achieve a light texture for the cake.

5. Adding flavors: Pour the rum or liqueur into the mixture and mix well.

6. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts. Add this combination to the butter cream and gently mix with a spatula until the ingredients are combined. Then, fold in the grated chocolate into the batter.

7. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the remaining 4 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain a firm, glossy meringue. This will give the cake an airy texture.

8. Folding in the egg whites: Slowly add the beaten egg whites to the cake mixture, mixing carefully to avoid losing the air in the batter.

9. Baking: Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it with oil and lining it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40-50 minutes. Do the toothpick test to check if it is baked (the toothpick should come out clean).

10. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Allow it to cool in the pan, then turn it out onto a wire rack.

11. Glazing: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread it with Nutella and sprinkle with toasted almond flakes (toast them for 3-4 minutes in the oven until golden).

Serving and combinations:
This chocolate and walnut cake is served sliced, ideally alongside a cup of black coffee or a fragrant tea. It can also be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
Walnuts are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Dark chocolate is known for its beneficial effects on mood due to its flavonoid content.

Tips for a successful cake:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- Do not open the oven too early to prevent the cake from sinking.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or even adding dried fruits to vary the flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but keep in mind that white chocolate is much sweeter, so adjust the sugar amount.

2. How can I replace the butter?
- You can use margarine or coconut oil, but the texture and taste will be different.

3. Can I add other flavors?
- Certainly! Adding vanilla or orange extract can provide an extra flavor boost.

This chocolate and walnut cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight you every time. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s turn a classic recipe into a delicious masterpiece!