Chocolate and Walnut Flower Cake

Chocolate and Walnut Flower Cake - A Delight for Memorable Mornings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Introduction
Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I invite you to prepare a cake that blends tradition with a touch of innovation: the Chocolate and Walnut Flower Cake. This cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that will transform your mornings into unforgettable moments, accompanied by a fragrant cup of coffee. Its unique shape, given by the silicone mold, adds a touch of magic and beauty to your table.

A Brief History
Cakes have always been an essential part of cultures around the world, associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. Over time, recipes have evolved, adapting to available tastes and ingredients. This chocolate and walnut cake recipe is a modern variant, perfect for starting your day with a smile.

Ingredients
For the batter:
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 175 g flour
- 1/2 cup milk (approximately 120 ml)
- 1/2 cup oil (approximately 120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g grated chocolate (you can use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)

For the glaze:
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons liquid cream
- 2 tablespoons ground walnuts
- A few small pieces of roasted walnuts (for decoration)

Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to achieve a more stable foam. If you have a silicone flower-shaped mold, it will add a special look to your cake. If not, don't worry; you can use any other type of mold, but make sure it is well greased.

Step 2: Beat the egg whites
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until they become a firm and shiny foam. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture for the cake.

Step 3: Add the sugar
Slowly add the sugar to the egg white foam, continuing to mix for a few minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Incorporate the yolks
Add the yolks, oil, and milk, mixing after each ingredient to ensure perfect homogenization. The vanilla extract will add a delicious flavor to your cake.

Step 5: Add the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Sift this mixture over the wet mixture and gently incorporate it using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be delicate to avoid losing air in the batter.

Step 6: Add the chocolate
Finally, add the grated chocolate and mix gently so that it distributes evenly in the mixture.

Step 7: Baking the cake
Prepare the silicone mold by greasing it with a little oil, only if you are using it for the first time. Pour the mixture into the mold and level it with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cooling
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a flat plate and let it cool completely.

Step 9: Preparing the glaze
In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the liquid cream over a double boiler, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This will make a perfect topping for your cake.

Step 10: Decorating the cake
Spread the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges. Sprinkle the ground walnuts on top and decorate with a few small pieces of roasted walnuts around the cake. The final appearance will be attractive and appetizing.

Serving Suggestions
This chocolate and walnut flower cake is perfect alongside a fragrant coffee, but you can also serve it with green tea or fresh lemonade. Additionally, vanilla ice cream will perfectly complement the sweet and rich flavor of the cake.

Possible Variations
To add a personal touch, you can try replacing the chocolate with pieces of candied fruit or a mix of nuts and hazelnuts. You can also experiment with different flavors of extract, such as almond or rum, for an exotic-flavored cake.

Nutritional Information
This cake is rich in carbohydrates and proteins, with approximately 250 calories per serving. The addition of walnuts provides a considerable amount of healthy fats and proteins. It is important to consume the cake in moderation, especially if you are following a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or coconut oil, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the cake?
This cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for a longer period.

3. Can I replace the flour?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can try using almond flour or oat flour, but the texture will be different.

I encourage you to try this delicious chocolate and walnut flower cake recipe! It is simple, quick, and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Give it a try and don't forget to share your impressions!