Ness cake is a dessert that combines the intense aroma of coffee with the fine texture of nuts, being one of the most beloved cakes by those who taste it. This recipe not only evokes memories of family moments but also the tradition of enjoying a simple yet sophisticated dessert. The preparation of this cake is not complicated at all, but the result will surely impress anyone who tastes it.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
*For the base:*
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of ground nuts
*For the cream:*
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons of ness (or instant coffee)
- 50-100 g roasted and chopped nuts
- Grated or melted chocolate for decoration
Preparation:
1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. It is important to ensure that no yolk remains in the whites, as this could prevent the formation of a fluffy meringue.
In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes a light-colored, almost silky foam. This process can take between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the power of the mixer. A good foam will contribute to the fluffy texture of the base.
Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and the ground nuts to the yolk mixture and gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.
In another bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until they form a firm foam that holds well. This is a crucial step, as well-beaten egg whites will make the base light and fluffy.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using circular motions from top to bottom to keep the air in the mixture.
Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a creamy and fluffy foam. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth texture.
Add the 2 egg yolks, the ness (or instant coffee), and the roasted and chopped nuts. Mix again until all the ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the cream evenly over it.
Finally, decorate with grated or melted chocolate, as desired. A personal suggestion would be to add some roasted nuts on top for an extra texture and flavor.
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve a smooth emulsion.
- Use a high-quality mixer to obtain a fluffy foam, especially for the egg whites.
- If you want to add an extra flavor note, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the buttercream.
- To reduce the sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners or a smaller amount of sugar, but be sure that the texture of the cream will not be affected.
Nutritional information:
This ness cake is high in calories, having approximately 250 calories per serving, due to the butter and nuts, which are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins. Nuts are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, while coffee has stimulating effects that can improve concentration.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with hazelnuts, almonds, or even pecans for a different flavor.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream or add cocoa to the buttercream to balance the sweetness.
3. How should I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be consumed even after a few days, but it will still be just as delicious and fresh!
4. What drinks pair well with the ness cake?
This dessert pairs perfectly with black coffee or an espresso, but also with a glass of cold milk or a latte.
The ness cake can quickly become your favorite, just as it was for my mother. Its unique taste and combination of textures make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Try making it and enjoy the wonderful moments spent with your loved ones!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
*For the base:*
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of ground nuts
*For the cream:*
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons of ness (or instant coffee)
- 50-100 g roasted and chopped nuts
- Grated or melted chocolate for decoration
Preparation:
1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. It is important to ensure that no yolk remains in the whites, as this could prevent the formation of a fluffy meringue.
In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes a light-colored, almost silky foam. This process can take between 5 and 10 minutes, depending on the power of the mixer. A good foam will contribute to the fluffy texture of the base.
Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and the ground nuts to the yolk mixture and gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.
In another bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until they form a firm foam that holds well. This is a crucial step, as well-beaten egg whites will make the base light and fluffy.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using circular motions from top to bottom to keep the air in the mixture.
Pour the batter into a greased or lined baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a creamy and fluffy foam. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth texture.
Add the 2 egg yolks, the ness (or instant coffee), and the roasted and chopped nuts. Mix again until all the ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the cream evenly over it.
Finally, decorate with grated or melted chocolate, as desired. A personal suggestion would be to add some roasted nuts on top for an extra texture and flavor.
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve a smooth emulsion.
- Use a high-quality mixer to obtain a fluffy foam, especially for the egg whites.
- If you want to add an extra flavor note, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the buttercream.
- To reduce the sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners or a smaller amount of sugar, but be sure that the texture of the cream will not be affected.
Nutritional information:
This ness cake is high in calories, having approximately 250 calories per serving, due to the butter and nuts, which are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins. Nuts are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, while coffee has stimulating effects that can improve concentration.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with hazelnuts, almonds, or even pecans for a different flavor.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream or add cocoa to the buttercream to balance the sweetness.
3. How should I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be consumed even after a few days, but it will still be just as delicious and fresh!
4. What drinks pair well with the ness cake?
This dessert pairs perfectly with black coffee or an espresso, but also with a glass of cold milk or a latte.
The ness cake can quickly become your favorite, just as it was for my mother. Its unique taste and combination of textures make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Try making it and enjoy the wonderful moments spent with your loved ones!