Day and Night Cake with Walnut

Day and Night Cake with Walnut - A Lenten Delicacy

If you are looking for a Lenten cake that will delight your taste buds and bring you back to your childhood, the "Day and Night" cake is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of the layers with the intense flavor of walnuts and chocolate, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicacy in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 16 tablespoons water
- 16 tablespoons sugar
- 13 tablespoons oil
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Flour, as needed (about 5-6 tablespoons) for a soft sponge cake batter
- 4 squares of dark chocolate

A Bit of History:
The "Day and Night" cake is a dessert that has gained popularity due to its simplicity and delicious taste, often prepared during fasting days. It symbolizes the balance between the sweet and salty aspects of life, making it a perfect choice to celebrate special moments or simply to indulge yourself.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the walnuts are finely ground, and the chocolate is chopped into small pieces to integrate evenly into the mixture.

2. The Base Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the 16 tablespoons of water, 16 tablespoons of sugar, and 13 tablespoons of oil. Use a mixer or a whisk to mix the ingredients well until the sugar completely dissolves. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Adding the Light Ingredients:
Add the baking powder mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice. This trick will help the cake rise better. Continue with the vanilla essence, the two packets of vanilla sugar, and the cup of ground walnuts. Mix well, then gradually incorporate the flour until you obtain a soft batter similar to sponge cake. Make sure not to add too much flour to avoid weighing down the cake's texture.

4. Preparing the Compositions:
Divide the batter into two equal parts. In another bowl, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one half of the batter and mix well to ensure it is evenly incorporated.

5. Preparing the Baking Tray:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a medium-sized baking tray with margarine and place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom. This step will prevent the cake from sticking to the tray and will facilitate its removal.

6. Assembling the Cake:
Pour the white mixture (without cocoa) into the prepared tray, smoothing it with a spatula. Then, carefully add the cocoa mixture on top. Use a fork to create a marbled pattern by gently mixing the two mixtures.

7. Adding the Chocolate:
Sprinkle the pieces of dark chocolate on top of the batter. They will melt during baking, adding an intense flavor and delicious texture to the cake.

8. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if the cake is done, use a skewer or a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

9. Cooling and Serving:
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance.

Tips and Practical Advice:
- If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add dried fruits or whole nuts for added texture and flavor.
- The "Day and Night" cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but it is also a wonderful dessert for a festive meal.
- You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh for a few days.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake, although it is Lenten, is rich in nutrients due to the walnuts, which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Additionally, cocoa brings antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of oil? Yes, you can use sunflower or coconut oil to vary the flavor.
- What can I do if I don't have walnuts? You can replace the walnuts with ground almonds or even with coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
- How can I turn the cake into a gluten-free dessert? Use almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free version.

The "Day and Night" cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a way to connect with the culinary traditions of fasting. So, embrace this recipe and enjoy every bite. Don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones and cherish the moments spent together!