Chocolate cake with nuts and brandy

Chocolate, Walnut, and Cognac Cake: A Delicacy for Special Moments

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

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a decadent cake filled with fine chocolate, toasted walnuts, and a splash of cognac, perfect for any special occasion. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients; it's a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a success, or simply want to indulge yourself, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Ingredients

*For the cake:*
- 7 eggs
- 210 g sugar
- 180 g flour
- 30 g cocoa powder

*For the cream:*
- 300 g high-quality dark chocolate
- 450 ml heavy cream
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 50 g butter
- 50 ml milk
- rum essence
- 2 tablespoons cognac

*For the syrup:*
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- rum essence
- 2 tablespoons cognac

*For the glaze:*
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml heavy cream
- 50 g butter

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the cake

Start by preparing the cake. It's essential to use fresh eggs, as they contribute to the fluffy texture of the cake. In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with the sugar for about 20 minutes, until the mixture triples in volume and becomes a light, airy cream. This is when your cake will achieve that fine, light texture.

Tip: Use an electric mixer to save time and effort. Ensure the bowl is clean and dry to achieve a stable foam.

Sift the flour and cocoa powder together to prevent lumps. Gradually add them to the egg mixture, gently folding from the bottom up with a spatula. This step is crucial, as you want to keep the air in the batter.

Pour the mixture into a 28 cm round cake pan lined with parchment paper (if using a non-stick pan, no parchment is needed). Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

After baking, leave the cake in the oven with the door slightly ajar to cool gradually. This trick will prevent the cake from sinking.

2. Preparing the cream

The next step is to prepare the cream, which will add richness and flavor to your cake. In a bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the butter and milk in a double boiler. It’s important to stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, let it cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, being careful not to deflate it. Add the ground walnuts, rum essence, and cognac, mixing gently.

Once the cream is well combined, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up a bit.

3. Preparing the syrup

In a small saucepan, caramelize the sugar over low heat until it turns brown. Carefully add the water, as the sugar will steam hot. Allow it to boil for a few minutes, then cool the syrup and add the rum essence and cognac for a refined flavor.

4. Preparing the glaze

To give the cake an elegant appearance, prepare the glaze. Melt the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until everything is smooth. This glaze will add a shiny and delicious chocolate layer on top of the cake.

5. Assembling the cake

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the cake! Place the first layer on a serving plate. Generously soak it with the rum syrup, then spread some of the cream using a spatula. Continue layering the cake, alternating between syrup and cream, until you reach the last layer of cake.

For a special touch, pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Now is the time to unleash your creativity! You can decorate the cake with toasted walnuts, grated chocolate, or even berries for a pop of color.

6. Serving

Let the cake sit in the refrigerator before serving, so the cream and glaze can set. It’s a sophisticated dessert that pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of aromatic coffee. Each slice will surely be a treat!

Helpful Tips

- If you don’t have cognac, you can use whiskey or another flavored spirit, but the final taste will differ.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered to prevent drying out.
- You can use the same recipe to create chocolate cupcakes, adjusting the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Nutritional Information

A slice of cake contains approximately 450 calories, being rich in healthy fats from walnuts and antioxidants from dark chocolate. It’s a delicious choice for celebrating special moments, but moderation is key due to its high sugar content.

Conclusion

This chocolate, walnut, and cognac cake will not only impress with its appearance but will also delight your taste buds. It’s a recipe that can quickly become your favorite, and each bite will bring a touch of joy. Remember, cooking is an art, and every detail matters. Try this recipe, personalize it to your taste, and share it with your loved ones! Bon appétit!