Egyptian cake_recipe taken from Amalia's blog

Egyptian Cake - A Delicacy Full of History and Flavor

If you are looking for a dessert that combines refinement with a unique taste, the Egyptian cake is the perfect choice. This recipe is a savory combination of delicate meringue layers, filled with fine creams and a crunchy note of caramel. The history of the Egyptian cake is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions where sweets have always been an essential part of celebrations and family gatherings. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply as a treat, this cake will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 75 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the layers:
- 6 egg whites
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 240 g ground nuts (or walnuts)

Ingredients for Cream 1:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 340 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 170 g butter (or margarine)
- vanilla essence (to taste)

Ingredients for Cream 2:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g crushed nuts (or coarsely ground walnuts)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the layers:
Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and you obtain a glossy meringue.

In another bowl, mix the flour with the ground nuts. Carefully fold the flour and nut mixture into the meringue using a spatula to avoid losing air in the composition.

Place parchment paper on the bottom of a round mold with a diameter of 24 cm and lightly grease it with oil to facilitate the removal of the layer after baking. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and bake for 25 minutes. Repeat the process to obtain two more layers. If using a rectangular pan, you can increase the ingredient quantities.

2. Preparing Cream 1:
In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with sugar, cornstarch, and milk, adding the milk gradually to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, achieving a pudding-like consistency. Once the cream is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

In a separate bowl, soften the butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate the cooled cream. Add vanilla essence to taste.

3. Preparing Cream 2:
In another bowl, whip the cream until firm. In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes caramel. Pour the caramel onto a greased tray and let it cool. Once hardened, crush it using a rolling pin or a food processor.

Fold the crushed caramel into the whipped cream and add the crushed nuts or walnuts.

4. Assembling the cake:
Place the first layer on a platter, spread a portion of the vanilla cream over it, then add a portion of the whipped cream. Repeat the process with the other layers, alternating the creams. The top layer will be whipped cream, which will give an elegant and appetizing look.

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow the caramel to melt into the cream and intensify the flavors.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to personalize the cake, you can add various essences, such as rum or almond, for an extra flavor.
- The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as pistachios or pecans, to change the texture and taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake offers a combination of proteins from egg whites and yolks, healthy fats from butter and nuts, as well as carbohydrates from sugar. Nuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use duck eggs instead of chicken eggs?
Yes, you can use duck eggs, but make sure to adjust the quantities as they are larger.

2. How can I prevent the layers from sticking to the parchment paper?
The oil applied to the paper helps with the easy release of the layers. Also, ensure that the layers are fully baked.

3. What can I do if the cream hasn't thickened?
If the cream hasn't thickened, you can add a little cornstarch dissolved in cold water and continue to stir over heat until it thickens.

The Egyptian cake is a true feast for the senses, an explosion of textures and flavors that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. So, dress in your finest expectations and get ready to indulge your taste buds with this delicious recipe!