Fine cake with honey and walnut layers

Fine honey and walnut cake - a classic delicacy that reminds us of times gone by, when every dessert was prepared with love and patience. This recipe, inherited from a talented culinary lady, Mrs. Tanta, is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, with thin, delicate layers filled with a rich and fragrant cream. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a truly spectacular result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ground walnuts (preferably freshly roasted for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 4 tablespoons of honey (choose a quality honey with a pronounced taste)
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed (approximately 300-400 g, depending on the humidity in the air)

For the cream:
- 1 kg of sour cream with 20% fat (fresh sour cream adds a special creaminess)
- 1 cup of ground walnuts
- 80 g of vanilla powdered sugar (or regular sugar, but vanilla for flavor)
- Juice from 1 lemon (helps balance the sweetness)

For decoration:
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (or dark, according to preference)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the layers
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). It is important that the temperature is constant to bake the layers evenly.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until it completely dissolves and the mixture becomes slightly frothy. This is the moment to add the honey, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. Once the ingredients are combined, add the ground walnuts and begin to incorporate the flour. Add the flour gradually until you obtain a homogeneous dough that does not stick to your hands. It should be slightly softer but firm.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each piece of dough into thin layers. You can use a rolling pin, but you can also use your hands to achieve the desired shapes.
5. Place each layer in a greased baking tray. Bake the layers in the oven for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden. Be careful, as they can burn easily!

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In a large bowl, mix the sour cream with the vanilla powdered sugar. Use a wooden spoon or a mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients until they become creamy.
2. Add the ground walnuts and lemon juice. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous and fragrant cream. This cream will be the perfect filling for your layers.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Place the first baked layer on a platter. Spread a portion of cream evenly over its surface. Continue with the second layer, repeating the process (layer - cream) until you finish all the layers.
2. The last layer will need a generous layer of cream, which you can keep some for decoration.
3. Grate chocolate over the last layer of cream for an elegant look and delicious taste.

Step 4: Cooling and serving
1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and let it cool for a few hours, ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and the layers to become softer and moister.
2. Cut the cake into squares or triangles, as preferred. Serve cold, being an ideal dessert for a festive meal or a gathering with friends.

Helpful tips
- Nuts can be lightly roasted in a dry pan for extra flavor. They can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- Flour: Make sure to add the flour gradually, as it can vary depending on humidity. The dough should be easy to shape but not too sticky.
- Serving: You can accompany the cake with a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Variations: Instead of chocolate, you can use roasted nuts or candied fruits for a different look.

Nutritional benefits
This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients, such as walnuts, which are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Additionally, the sour cream provides calcium, and honey is a natural sweetener full of antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week without losing its taste and texture.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, to achieve a unique flavor.

3. Is it necessary to use lemon in the cream?
Lemon adds a pleasant balance between sweetness and acidity, but it can be omitted if you prefer a sweeter taste.

The fine honey and walnut cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a culinary experience that will make you come back to it again and again. Happy cooking and enjoy!