Chocolate Queen

Chocolate Queen – A Royal Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Who wouldn't be seduced by a decadent cake with a delicate walnut base, covered with a fine chocolate cream? The Chocolate Queen is a recipe that combines the slightly crumbly texture of the base with the richness and refinement of the cream, turning any meal into a royal feast. This cake is not just a simple delicacy, but a love story between chocolate, nuts, and vanilla, taking you on a journey of flavors.

The history of this cake is fascinating, rooted in the culinary traditions of various cultures, where chocolate desserts have always been considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the Chocolate Queen will surely become the star of your table.

Necessary ingredients

*For the base:*
- 6 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 250 g walnut kernels (preferably freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa

*For the cream:*
- 6 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 120 g dark chocolate (high quality)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

*For decoration:*
- White or dark chocolate (optional, for an elegant look, you can use 50-100 ml whipped cream and a walnut-sized amount of butter)

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the bases
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure you have a 20x30 cm baking tray, which you line with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. It's important to use a clean and dry bowl, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
- Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix at high speed until you achieve a firm and shiny foam. This step is crucial to ensure an airy texture for the bases.
- Gently fold in the ground walnuts and cocoa using a wooden spatula, making sure to preserve the air in the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the tray, leveling the surface, and bake for 25 minutes. The base should be golden and spring back when touched. After baking, let it cool in the tray.

2. Preparing the cream
- In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, hot water, and cocoa. Place it over a double boiler and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- After 15 minutes, add the broken chocolate pieces and stir until completely melted, about 3 minutes. The cream will be rich and velvety.
- Allow the cream to cool slightly, then in another bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the chocolate cream to the butter, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Finally, add the rum essence for an extra flavor boost, mixing gently.

3. Assembling the cake
- Once the base has completely cooled, place it on a serving platter. It's normal for it to be fragile and crumble easily, but that adds to its charm.
- Spread the chocolate cream evenly over the base, ensuring it is well covered.
- If desired, you can melt white or dark chocolate with a bit of butter and cream to create a delicious sauce to pour over the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the cream to set.

4. Serving and variations
- Serve the cake cold, cut into squares. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of sweet red wine, which will beautifully contrast with the richness of the chocolate.
- A delicious variation would be to add a pinch of coffee or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream for an even deeper flavor.
- If you're a fan of fruits, you can decorate the cake with fresh raspberries or slices of candied orange for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits
This cake contains nuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Additionally, dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to improve cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation. Of course, considering the amount of sugar and fat in the recipe, it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or hazelnuts can be used as an alternative, bringing a distinct flavor.
- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, or opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.
- Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, but it is recommended to test the recipe to achieve the desired texture.

The Chocolate Queen is not just a cake, but a culinary experience that combines tradition with modern elegance. Use this recipe to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen and delight your loved ones with an extraordinary delicacy!