Coffee Cake by Laura Sava

Coffee Cake – A Flavorful Delight for Coffee Lovers

If you're a coffee enthusiast and a fan of delicious desserts, then coffee cake is the perfect choice for you. This recipe combines the intense flavors of coffee with a velvety texture, resulting in a dessert that will captivate you from the very first bite. So, get ready for a culinary experience full of flavor!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 200 ml of coffee (brewed and cooled)
- 200 g of ladyfingers
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

For the cream:
- 300 g of ground walnuts
- 250 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 200 ml of coffee (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

For the glaze:
- 100 g of milk chocolate
- 100 g of dark chocolate
- 2 tablespoons of oil (or 50 g of butter)
- 2 tablespoons of water

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the coffee
Start by making the coffee. Boil 400 ml of water and add the ground coffee. Let it steep, then strain it and allow it to cool. It's essential for the coffee to be cold to prevent melting the butter in the cream.

Step 2: Prepare the base
1. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until you achieve a creamy, light-colored mixture.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, ground walnuts, and cocoa powder over the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
4. Add the beaten egg whites, mixing with circular motions to achieve an airy batter.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C. The base is ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 3: Prepare the cream
1. Toast the walnuts in the oven for 5 minutes, being careful not to burn them, then finely grind them.
2. In a bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar and rum essence until creamy.
3. Add the 200 ml of cold coffee and ground walnuts. Mix gently to obtain a smooth, slightly runny cream.

Step 4: Assemble the cake
1. Once the base has cooled, pour half of the walnut cream over it.
2. Dip the ladyfingers in the cooled coffee, letting them absorb the flavors for a few seconds, then place them on top of the cream layer.
3. Top with the remaining cream and smooth the surface.

Step 5: Prepare the glaze
1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk chocolate and dark chocolate with the oil (or butter) and water. Heat over low heat, stirring until the chocolate melts and you achieve a glossy glaze.
2. Pour the glaze over the assembled cake and smooth it out.

Step 6: Chill and serve
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to intensify. When you're ready to serve, cut generous portions and enjoy every bite!

Tips and Useful Advice
- Coffee: Make sure to use quality coffee, as it will significantly influence the cake's flavor. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can add a bit of espresso.
- Nuts: You can replace ground walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- Glaze: If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can use only milk chocolate, omitting the dark chocolate.

Perfect Pairings
This coffee cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fluffy whipped cream can add a refreshing touch and a contrasting texture.

Nutritional Benefits
Coffee cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, while coffee has stimulating and antioxidant properties. Enjoying it in moderation allows you to savor a treat that also brings benefits to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor or natural sweeteners, but you'll need to adjust the quantities.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can freeze individual portions to enjoy later.

3. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a combination of rice flour and starch.

Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds, coffee cake promises to bring joy and unmistakable flavors. So, put on your chef's apron and embark on the delicious adventure of cooking!