Egyptian cake Happy New Year 2016

Egyptian Cake: A Story-Filled Delight

I propose we discover together the recipe for a special cake that will turn any occasion into an unforgettable celebration: the Egyptian Cake. This dessert combines delicate layers with a creamy vanilla filling and an irresistible nut crunch, and each bite will bring a smile to your face. Let's venture into the world of refined flavors and create a special cake worthy of the most beautiful moments.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the layers (3 in total):
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of ground nuts

For the vanilla cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 400 ml of milk
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cube of butter (about 100 g)

For the nut crunch:
- 100 g of nuts
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 ml of liquid cream

Cream 2:
- Whipped cream (quantity to taste, for decoration)

Decoration:
- Ground nuts
- Whipped cream

Step 1: Preparing the layers

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then gradually add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a shiny meringue.

Carefully fold in the flour and ground nuts using a silicone spatula, mixing gently from bottom to top to retain the air in the egg whites. Divide the mixture into three equal parts and pour it into round baking pans lined with parchment paper. Bake each layer for 15 minutes or until golden. Allow them to cool on a rack.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream

In a saucepan, heat the milk with 3 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until they become a light foam. Add the vanilla essence and flour, mixing well. When the milk is warm, remove it from the heat and pour a little into the egg mixture, stirring quickly to prevent coagulation.

Return everything to the saucepan and put it back on the heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens. Once you achieve the desired consistency, add the cube of butter and mix vigorously until melted. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: The nut crunch

In a skillet, place the sugar over medium heat and let it caramelize. When it turns golden, add the liquid cream and mix quickly. Add the nuts and continue to stir until evenly coated. Pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and let it cool completely, then cut it into small pieces and blend it in a food processor until you achieve a slightly crunchy powder.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

On a serving platter, place the first layer of cake and spread a generous layer of vanilla cream. Add a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle the nut crunch. Place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process: vanilla cream, whipped cream, and crunch. Finally, place the last layer of cake on top, press gently, and cover the edges of the cake with a little cream. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to firm up.

Step 5: Decorating

Once the cake has cooled, decorate it to your liking with whipped cream and ground nuts. You can use a piping bag to create decorative shapes with the whipped cream. Be creative!

Serving suggestions

The Egyptian Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea. It is ideal for parties, anniversaries, or simply to be enjoyed in the company of loved ones.

Useful tips

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can vary the flavors of the cream by adding a bit of cocoa or almond essence for a different taste.
- For an even more refined cake, you can add fresh fruits between the layers of cream.

Nutritional benefits

- Nuts are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
- Milk is a good source of calcium, necessary for strong bones.
- Using natural whipped cream instead of industrial creams guarantees a healthier and tastier dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use almonds or pistachios to give the cake a different flavor.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use dark chocolate instead of sugar for the crunch.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
It is recommended not to freeze the assembled cake, but you can freeze the layers and cream separately.

5. What other desserts can I make with similar ingredients?
You can use nut cake recipes or vanilla creams, which will add extra flavor and variety to your table.

This Egyptian Cake, with its delicate layers and rich cream, is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will leave you with a sweet memory. So, prepare your ingredients, gather your friends, and enjoy every step of the cooking process. Cheers and enjoy!