Chocolate cake

Chocolate Walnut Cake – a Decadent Treat for Any Occasion

Who can resist a rich chocolate cake with a fluffy base and filled with a smooth chocolate cream? This chocolate walnut cake recipe is not just a dessert; it's a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, a success, or simply want to indulge yourself, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Before we begin, let's take a look at the ingredients and the time needed to create this delight.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 15 egg whites
- 30 tablespoons of sugar
- 30 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 15 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder, activated with vinegar or lemon juice

Ingredients for the chocolate cream:
- 2 packets of chocolate cream (e.g., Dr. Oetker)
- 400 ml of heavy whipping cream (minimum 30% fat)
- 200 g of cooking chocolate

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shapes
- Wafer sticks or chocolate-covered biscuits
- Grated coconut

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until they form a stiff foam. Make sure the bowl is clean and dry to achieve the best results. This step is essential for getting a fluffy base.

2. Adding the ingredients: Once the egg whites are well beaten, gradually add the egg yolks, gently folding with a spatula to maintain the air in the foam. Now is the time to add the ground walnuts, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Carefully mix with a folding motion to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Baking the base: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rectangular baking pan (30/40 cm) with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a rack.

4. Preparing the chocolate cream: In a bowl, prepare the chocolate cream according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, melt the cooking chocolate in a double boiler, being careful not to let it boil. Once melted, add the chocolate to the chocolate cream and mix well. Let the cream cool slightly before using it.

5. Assembling the cake: Cut the base into three equal parts. Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter and spread a generous layer of chocolate cream. Repeat the process with the second layer and top with the final layer of cake. Use the remaining cream to cover the outside of the cake.

6. Decorating: Use whipped cream to decorate the cake if desired. You can add chocolate shapes on top and chocolate-covered sticks, which you can dip in melted chocolate for a snowy effect, sprinkling grated coconut on top.

7. Serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate cream.
- Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping to achieve the ideal consistency.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to add a personal touch to the cake.

Nutritional benefits:
This chocolate cake offers a good source of antioxidants from the chocolate, while walnuts provide protein and healthy fats. Although it is a rich dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative?
- Absolutely, you can use a plant-based egg substitute, such as mashed banana or a mixture of flaxseeds and water.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and choose chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
- An espresso or cappuccino will pair perfectly with the chocolate cake, but a sweet red wine can also be a delicious choice.

Now that you are equipped with all the necessary information, I invite you to try this chocolate walnut cake recipe. It’s more than just a dessert – it's a story of flavors and textures that will delight everyone. Enjoy cooking and savor every slice!