Elena Cake

Elena Cake

Today, we celebrate not just a special day, but also a tradition that brings us together to rejoice. In honor of my colleague's name day, I decided to make a cake that is not only a delicacy but also a symbol of friendship and joy. The Elena Cake is a refined combination of textures and flavors, perfect for any festive occasion. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious dessert!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (approximately 25 minutes for baking and 1 hour for assembly)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 5 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 80 g flour
- 80 g cornstarch
- 2 vials vanilla essence
- 150 g ground walnuts

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 100 g sugar
- 1 vial rum essence

For the cream:
- 2 packets of Ole vanilla cream (from Dr. Oetker)
- 300 ml cold milk
- 350 ml liquid cream (make sure it’s cold for easier whipping)

For the glaze:
- 200 g chocolate (choose a good quality chocolate with at least 50% cocoa)
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 100 g butter

For the praline:
- 200 g walnuts
- 150 g sugar

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (for decoration as desired)
- Pralined walnuts (reserved from the prepared amount)

Preparation

1. Preparing the sponge:
We start with the sponge, which will form the base of this delicious cake. In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes fluffy (about 5-7 minutes). Add the vanilla essence, ground walnuts, and gently mix.

Sift the flour and cornstarch over the egg mixture and fold them in with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture. Pour the batter into a detachable cake pan lined with parchment paper and greased with butter. Bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes or until the sponge is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test. After baking, remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting it in half.

2. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden. Then add the water and stir well, letting it boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the rum essence. Allow the syrup to cool.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, add the liquid cream and cold milk. Add the packets of Ole cream and mix until you achieve a thick cream. This step is essential for ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

4. Preparing the glaze:
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate, liquid cream, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

5. Preparing the praline:
Caramelize the sugar in a saucepan. Once it reaches a light golden color, add the walnuts and stir well to coat them with caramel. Pour the mixture onto a buttered plate and let it cool completely. Once hardened, crush it with a rolling pin to obtain small pieces.

6. Assembling the cake:
- Cut the sponge into two equal parts.
- Soak the first half with the rum syrup.
- Add half of the glaze, followed by the vanilla cream.
- Place the second half of the sponge on top, which you will soak again.
- Spread the remaining glaze (keeping about 3 tablespoons) and decorate with whipped cream and pralined walnuts.

7. Cooling:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Useful tips and variations

- For a more intense flavor, you can add some pieces of fruit, such as raspberries or strawberries, between the layers of cream.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or use dark chocolate for the glaze.
- The Elena Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or flavored tea, and for a delightful contrast, try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional information

Per serving, the Elena Cake contains approximately 450 calories, with a significant fat content due to the butter and cream. The walnuts add protein and healthy fatty acids, making it an excellent source of nutrients. It’s a tasty dessert, but enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to assemble and decorate it after thawing.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use almonds or pistachios, but make sure to lightly toast them to enhance the flavor.

3. How can I improve the cake's appearance?
Use fresh fruits or edible flowers for an elegant decoration. Additionally, a drizzle of caramel syrup on top adds a special visual effect.

The Elena Cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that transforms any occasion into a memorable moment. So, gather your ingredients and let’s enjoy this recipe together! Happy name day to all those celebrating, and may you have many sweet moments!