Egyptian cake

Egyptian cake is a refined dessert, full of flavors and textures, that blends tradition with innovation. This cake is ideal for serving on special occasions or simply to bring a touch of sweetness into everyday life. In this recipe, you will discover how to prepare a dessert with thin, crispy layers, filled with fine vanilla cream and a delicious topping of whipped cream and nuts. I invite you to follow the steps below to achieve a perfect result!

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

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 8 egg whites
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 160 g ground nuts (preferably roasted)

For cream 1:
- 8 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 340 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons starch
- 170 g butter
- 1 vanilla essence

For cream 2:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g ground nuts (preferably roasted)

Necessary tools
- Baking tray
- Mixer
- Pot
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Rolling pin
- Food processor (optional)

Preparing the layers

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the layers inside.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This is an essential step, as your layers will be light and airy.

3. Adding dry ingredients: Once the egg whites are well beaten, gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Then, fold in the ground nuts and flour. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

4. Baking the layers: Grease the baking tray with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Divide the mixture into two and spread each portion in the tray, smoothing it out with a knife. Bake each layer for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm to the touch. Repeat the process for the other two layers.

Preparing the creams

5. Cream 1: In a pot, combine the egg yolks with sugar, starch, and milk. Mix well to avoid lumps. Place the pot over a double boiler and stir constantly until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat, add the butter and vanilla essence. Let the cream cool.

6. Cream 2: In a clean pot, melt the sugar until it turns into caramel. Carefully pour it onto a sheet of aluminum foil and let it cool. Once hardened, crush it with a rolling pin or in a food processor until it becomes powder. Whip the cream until it is firm and fold in the caramelized sugar and ground nuts.

Assembling the cake

7. Filling the layers: Place the first layer on a platter and spread a layer of vanilla cream. Continue with the second layer, adding the whipped cream. Repeat the process until the final layer is placed on top.

8. Decorating: Cover the last layer with a generous layer of whipped cream. You can sprinkle ground nuts on top for an attractive look. As a final touch, add chocolate glaze and coconut for extra flavor and presentation.

Useful tips

- Roasting nuts: Roasting the nuts not only enhances their flavor but also makes them crunchier. You can roast the nuts in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C, making sure not to burn them.

- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for a smooth consistency of the creams.

- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a scoop of ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains nuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, benefiting heart health. Additionally, eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of nut? Yes, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts to vary the flavor of the cake.

- Can I replace the vanilla cream? If you want a lighter version, you can use store-bought vanilla pudding, but homemade is much tastier.

- How long can the cake be stored? The cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to consume it within 2 days to enjoy the freshness of the layers and creams.

In conclusion, the Egyptian cake is a dessert that brings a touch of magic to any occasion. With each bite, you will feel the perfect combination of crispy textures and fine creams, and the aroma of nuts and vanilla will surely captivate you. Don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones, as the joy of eating is even greater when shared!