Cookie and Walnut Cake

Cookie and Walnut Cake: A Quick and No-Bake Delight

When it comes to desserts, nothing compares to a cake that tempts you with its enticing aromas and creamy texture. Today's recipe, the cookie and walnut cake, is a true culinary indulgence, perfect for any occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a party, or simply a family gathering. This cake is easy to prepare, requiring no baking, and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 12 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 500 g cookies (preferably plain cookies, such as petit beurre or digestive cookies)
- 200-250 ml milk (choose whole milk for greater creaminess)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 100 g walnuts (you can use Romanian walnuts, but also other types like hazelnuts or almonds)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 50 g cocoa (good quality cocoa, preferably dark for an intense flavor)
- 50 g chocolate (dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional, but adds a special touch)

Preparing the Cookie and Walnut Cake:

1. Preparing the cookies: Start by breaking the cookies into large pieces. You don't need to crush them completely, just lightly break them to maintain texture. You can use a blender or simply crush them by hand. Place the cookies in a large bowl.

2. Butter cream: In another bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to cream the butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This will add an airy quality to your cake.

3. Preparing the mixture: Add the chopped walnuts over the cookies. You can chop them as finely as you like, depending on your preferences. Then, add the cocoa and melted chocolate (heated in a double boiler or microwave). Mix everything carefully.

4. Adding the milk: Gradually pour the milk over the cookie and walnut mixture. Stir gently until you achieve a moist but not runny mixture. It's important not to add too much milk at once to avoid diluting the mixture.

5. Incorporating the butter cream: Add the butter and sugar cream to the cookie and walnut mixture. Don't forget to add the rum essence for a refined flavor. Mix everything with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

6. Forming the cake: Grease a baking dish with butter and dust it with cocoa to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, ideally until the next day, to firm up well.

7. Serving: Once the cake has set, carefully invert it onto a platter. Dust the surface with cocoa and add chocolate shavings for an attractive look. You can decorate with whole walnuts or fresh fruits.

Practical tips:

- Choose the right cookies: Plain cookies are best as they won't overly influence the final taste. If you want an extra flavor note, you can use cocoa cookies.
- Fresh nuts: Ensure the nuts are fresh, and if you want a more intense flavor, you can lightly toast them in a pan before adding them to the mixture.
- Chocolate: Use quality chocolate, as it will influence the cake's taste. Chocolate with a higher cocoa content will add a deeper note.
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter and the milk with plant milk, such as almond or coconut milk.

Nutritional benefits:

- Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, benefiting heart health.
- Cocoa has antioxidant properties and can improve mood.
- Cookies provide carbohydrates that supply energy, and while powdered sugar isn't the healthiest ingredient, it adds sweetness to the cake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with various types of nuts, such as hazelnuts, pistachios, or almonds, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for about a week.

3. Can I add fruits to the mixture?
Yes, you can add dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, which will provide a note of sweetness and additional texture.

The cookie and walnut cake recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, quick, and easy-to-make dessert. Whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends, this dessert is sure to bring a smile to faces. Don't forget to share the recipe and enjoy every bite!