Chocolate mousse cake with nuts

Chocolate and Walnut Mousse Cake

A chocolate and walnut mousse cake is truly a delicacy that combines the intense taste of chocolate with the pleasant aroma of walnuts. Baking this cake is not just a culinary activity, but an experience that blends patience, creativity, and of course, a love for desserts. Whether you enjoy it on a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30-35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the base:
5 eggs
150 g sugar
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons caramel syrup (see details below)
150 g flour
2-3 tablespoons cocoa
50 g ground walnuts
2 packets vanilla sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder

For the chocolate and walnut mousse:
1 bar of milk chocolate (about 100 g)
300 ml liquid cream
100 g ground walnuts
1 teaspoon gelatin (soaked in cold water)

For the glaze:
100 g dark chocolate
50 g butter
50 ml liquid cream
1 tablespoon brandy

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the caramel syrup
In a pot, add 100 g of sugar and place it over medium heat. Allow the sugar to caramelize, stirring constantly. When the sugar turns golden, carefully add 200 ml of cold water (be careful of the steam!). Let it boil until the sugar is completely melted. You will use 3 tablespoons of this syrup for the base and the rest to soak the cake.

Step 2: Preparing the base
Separate the eggs. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, resembling a meringue. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the oil, vanilla sugar, and the 3 tablespoons of caramel syrup. Mix well, then pour the mixture over the egg whites. If the egg whites are well beaten, the yolk mixture will remain on the surface.
Slowly add the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Finally, fold in the ground walnuts. Pour the mixture into a baking pan (26 cm diameter) lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the base is baked, and when it's done, let it cool.

Step 3: Preparing the chocolate and walnut mousse
Melt the milk chocolate together with 100 ml of the liquid cream. Once the chocolate has cooled, add the hydrated gelatin and mix well. Whip the remaining cream until firm and slowly fold it into the chocolate mixture, gently mixing to avoid losing the air from the cream. Finally, fold in the ground walnuts.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into 3 equal parts. Soak each layer with the remaining syrup. Fill each layer with the chocolate and walnut mousse, leaving a few tablespoons to finish the edges of the cake. Cover the cake with mousse and refrigerate for a few hours, or ideally, overnight.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze
Melt the dark chocolate together with the butter, liquid cream, and brandy. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface well.
For a special touch, decorate the cake with whipped cream and walnut halves.

Serving suggestions:
This chocolate and walnut mousse cake pairs wonderfully with a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a delicious contrast to the rich texture of the cake.

Useful tips:
- Ensure that the chocolate you use is of good quality, as its flavor will significantly influence the final taste of the cake.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can use dark chocolate for the mousse.
- Instead of walnuts, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts to add a different note.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Although this cake is an indulgent dessert, it contains beneficial ingredients such as walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. A medium slice of cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegan alternative to traditional gelatin. Follow the instructions on the package for use.
2. What other combinations of nuts could I use?
You can experiment with pecans, cashews, or even pistachios for a distinct flavor.
3. How can I store this cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-5 days. Before serving, let it reach room temperature to maximize its flavors.

This chocolate and walnut mousse cake is truly a culinary masterpiece, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself at the end of a long day. Experiment with the ingredients and create unique memories for every occasion!