Dessert - Coffee cake by Veronica M. - Recipia
Cafelina Cake with Nuts and Ness Cream

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12-16

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines the intense flavors of coffee with the fine texture of nuts? The Cafelina Cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive meal. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also impress you with its sophisticated appearance. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

A Brief History

Coffee has a fascinating history, and desserts that include coffee have quickly become favorites in many cultures. Ness cream, an essential ingredient in this recipe, is one of those inventions that revolutionized the way we enjoy coffee. The Cafelina Cake subtly combines the nuances of coffee flavor with the crunchy texture of nuts, creating a perfect balance between flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the base (2 layers)
- 5 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 140 g ground nuts
- 2 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon rum or vanilla essence

For the ness cream
- 400 ml milk
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g grated chocolate
- 50 g flour (approximately 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 5 g ness
- 1 teaspoon rum or vanilla essence

Necessary Utensils

- 2 large bowls
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Baking tray (34 x 24 cm)
- Parchment paper
- A small saucepan for the ness cream
- Grater for chocolate

Step by Step

Preparing the Base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowls are clean, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.

2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and mix them with sugar on high speed until you achieve a firm, glossy foam, similar to meringue. This step is essential for achieving a light and airy texture.

3. Adding the ingredients: While continuing to mix, add the baking powder and gradually the yolks, mixing constantly. Then, fold in the flour gently with a spatula to maintain the air in the mixture.

4. Nuts: Add the ground nuts, mixing carefully again until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

5. Baking the layers: Divide the mixture into two equal parts. Pour the first half into the lined baking tray and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes. The base is ready when it is lightly browned and passes the toothpick test. Repeat the process with the second half of the mixture.

Preparing the Ness Cream

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, flour, cocoa, and ness. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients well, ensuring that no lumps remain.

2. Boiling the cream: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly. It is very important not to leave it unattended, as the cream can quickly stick to the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring until the cream begins to boil and thickens, having a texture similar to pudding.

3. Incorporating the butter: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Gradually add the butter at room temperature, mixing well until fully incorporated.

Assembling the Cake

1. Layering: Take the first layer and spread 2/3 of the ness cream over it, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the other layer on top and cover it with the remaining cream.

2. Decorating: Grate 100 g of chocolate over the cream, adding a touch of elegance and intense flavor.

3. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

The Cafelina Cake is best enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can serve it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, adding a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn the dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants, while cocoa contains flavonoids that may contribute to cardiovascular health. However, considering the sugar and butter content, it is recommended to consume the cake in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the ness cream or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-5 days.

4. Can it be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing for easier consumption.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a personal touch to your cake, you can add orange or lemon zest to the ness cream for a fresh flavor. You can also experiment with various essence flavors, such as almond or lavender, to add an interesting twist.

In conclusion, the Cafelina Cake with Nuts and Ness Cream is not just an exceptional dessert but also an opportunity to showcase your cooking skills. With every bite, you will discover a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone impressed. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Bon appétit!

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Dessert - Coffee cake by Veronica M. - Recipia

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