Egyptian Cake

Egyptian Cake: A Refined Delight

If you are looking for an elegant dessert that will impress on any occasion, then the Egyptian cake is the perfect choice. This cake with thin layers and delicious creams is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a true work of art on the plate. Each layer of cream and each sheet brings a unique taste and texture, transforming every slice into a memorable experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes per sheet
Total time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

For the sheets (3 sheets):
- 6 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ tablespoons flour
- 120 g ground nuts or walnuts

For cream 1:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 340 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
- 100-150 ml whipped cream
- vanilla essence (optional)

For cream 2:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g crushed nuts (larger pieces)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the sheets

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, start beating the 6 egg whites with a mixer on medium speed. When the egg whites start to foam, gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes firm and shiny.

2. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the ground nuts. Using a spatula, fold this mixture into the egg whites, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

3. Bake the sheets: Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper cut to a diameter of 24 cm. Pour the mixture for one sheet and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C for 10-15 minutes or until the sheet is lightly browned. Repeat this step for the other two sheets.

Step 2: Preparing cream 1

1. Mix the egg yolks: In a saucepan, add the 6 egg yolks, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 340 ml of milk, and 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch. Mix well to avoid lumps.

2. Cook the cream: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens, being careful not to boil. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool.

3. Incorporate the whipped cream: In another bowl, whip 100-150 ml of cream until it becomes firm. Add the cooled cream and gently mix to avoid losing air from the whipped cream.

Step 3: Preparing cream 2

1. Caramelize the sugar: In a clean pan, add 150 g of sugar and let it melt over low heat, stirring constantly to achieve an even caramel. Pour the caramel onto a sheet of parchment paper and let it cool. Once hardened, crush it into smaller pieces.

2. Whip the cream: In a bowl, whip 200 ml of cream until it becomes firm. Then, add the crushed caramel and larger nuts, mixing gently.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Layer of sheets: Place the first sheet on a platter. Cover with 1/3 of cream 1, then 1/3 of cream 2.

2. Repeat: Place the second sheet and repeat the process. Finally, place the last sheet, followed by the remaining cream 2.

3. Cooling: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to combine and the caramel to melt slightly into the cream.

Serving

The Egyptian cake is served cold, cut into thin slices, allowing the delicate sheets to shine through. It pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or fragrant tea. An interesting idea would be to add a chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Tips and tricks

- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh nuts and good quality sugar to enhance the cake's flavor.
- Pay attention to the oven temperature: Baking should be even. If the sheets bake too quickly, reduce the oven temperature.
- Variations: You can add additional flavors to the cream, such as orange or almond, for a personalized touch.
- Storing the cake: This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to be consumed fresh to maintain its light texture.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only a pleasure for the taste but also a source of nutrients. Nuts contain healthy fats, proteins, and fibers, while eggs provide essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B12. However, due to the sugar and fat content in whipped cream, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the nuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can use walnuts or even almonds to vary the flavor.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the creams and use whipped cream with a lower sugar content.

3. Is it possible to make the cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the milk with a plant-based alternative and use plant-based whipped cream.

The Egyptian cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings together textures and flavors in perfect harmony. Don't forget to let your creativity shine in the kitchen! Enjoy!