Egyptian cake - for the parents' anniversary

Egyptian Cake: A Delight for Celebrations

At the heart of every celebration, cake reigns as the king of desserts, and when it comes to special anniversaries, nothing compares to a cake made with love and dedication. Today, I will share with you the recipe for an Egyptian cake, an ideal choice to celebrate a birthday, especially when your parents share the same day, month, and year. This recipe, inspired by Amalia's blog, has been modified to make it even more special, and I have chosen to use nuts instead of peanuts and fructose instead of sugar. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 75 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers (3 layers)
- 6 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (or fructose, as preferred)
- 1.5 tablespoons of flour
- 120 g ground nuts (or peanuts, if you prefer)

For the vanilla cream
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (or fructose)
- 340 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 170 g unsalted butter (or Rama margarine)
- Vanilla extract

For the whipped cream
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g crushed nuts (or peanuts, as preferred)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the layers
1. Start by preheating the oven to 150°C (300°F). Prepare a 24 cm round baking pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar (or fructose) and continue beating until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
3. In another bowl, mix the flour with the ground nuts. Gradually fold this mixture into the egg whites, being careful not to deflate the batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it well. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Repeat the process for the other two layers, making sure to clean your utensils between each baking.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream
1. In a saucepan, combine the egg yolks with the cornstarch and sugar (or fructose), mixing well.
2. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the cream thickens, resembling pudding.
3. Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool.
4. Once the cream has completely cooled, incorporate the butter (or margarine) and vanilla extract, mixing well to achieve a smooth texture.

Step 3: Preparing the whipped cream
1. Whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. Add the sugar and continue mixing until stiff peaks form.
2. Fold the crushed nuts (or peanuts) into the whipped cream, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter and spread 1/3 of the vanilla cream on top, followed by 1/3 of the whipped cream.
2. Repeat the process with the remaining layers, ensuring the top layer is covered with whipped cream.
3. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the caramel in the whipped cream to soften slightly.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Once the cake has chilled, you can decorate it with additional whipped cream and sugar paste decorations. Let your imagination soar!

Practical Tips
- Ingredients: If you want a more intense flavor, try toasting the nuts before using them. This will add a rich and deep flavor to the cake.
- Lactose-free alternative: Use lactose-free margarine and almond or soy milk for a vegan version.
- Perfect texture: To achieve fluffier layers, make sure the egg whites are beaten well until they are stiff, but not overbeaten to the point of becoming grainy.

Possible Variations
- Fresh fruits: Add layers of fresh fruits between the cake layers, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a touch of freshness.
- Chocolate: Replace some of the nuts with chopped chocolate for a chocolate explosion in every bite.

Nutritional Information
This cake, in its original form, has approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, while milk provides calcium and protein. Fructose, used as a sweetener, can be a healthier option, but it’s important to consume it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely, almonds or pistachios are excellent alternatives that offer a different flavor.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to avoid absorbing smells from the fridge.
- Can the cake be frozen? It is recommended to freeze only the cake layers, not the cream, to maintain the texture.

Serving
This Egyptian cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. It is the ideal dessert to impress guests at a party or to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

In conclusion, the Egyptian cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring people together. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and the moments spent with your loved ones!