Five o'clock cake

Five O'Clock Cake - A Flavorful Delight for Indulgent Moments

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Introduction
The Five O'Clock Cake is a recipe that combines the rich aroma of coffee with the delicate texture of nuts, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is perfect for indulgent moments, whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or serve it as dessert at the end of a meal. The origins of this recipe are shrouded in mystery, but its popularity has grown among dessert lovers, becoming a symbol of pleasant gatherings and conviviality.

Ingredients needed
To prepare this delicious cake, you will need the following ingredients:

*For the cake:*
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of ground nuts (or poppy seeds, according to preference)
- 10 tablespoons of brewed coffee (about one cup of coffee)
- 200 g of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder or ammonia

*For the syrup:*
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 700 ml water

*For the glaze:*
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 50 g of butter

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the coffee
Start by brewing a cup of coffee. Make sure it is strong enough to give the cake an intense flavor. Let it cool slightly while you handle the other ingredients.

2. Beat the eggs with sugar
In a large bowl, add the 4 egg yolks and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them well until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar dissolves completely. This is the airy base of your cake.

3. Add the coffee
Once the coffee has cooled, gradually add the 10 tablespoons of coffee to the egg and sugar mixture, including the coffee grounds for an extra flavor boost. Mix gently to combine the ingredients.

4. Integrate the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder or ammonia. Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, along with the ground nuts or poppy seeds, and mix gently with a spatula to avoid lumps.

5. Beat the egg whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gently fold them into the previous mixture. This step will give your cake a fluffy texture.

6. Bake the cake
Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the middle of a preheated oven at 180°C and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. It is best to use low heat for even baking.

7. Prepare the syrup
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, caramelize the 6 tablespoons of sugar until golden. Add 700 ml of water and mix well. Let it boil for a few minutes to achieve a slightly thick syrup.

8. Prepare the glaze
In another pot, combine the cocoa, sugar, water, and butter. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly until all ingredients melt and blend together.

9. Soak the cake
Once the cake has cooled, pour the cold syrup over it. It is important to leave it in the pan for even soaking. Then, add the cocoa glaze, making sure to cover the entire surface.

10. Serving
Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting. You can decorate it with ground nuts or chocolate flakes for a festive look. This cake is delicious both at room temperature and cold, offering you a unique experience every time you enjoy it.

Useful tips
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mixture.
- Instead of nuts, you can use roasted peanuts or almonds to vary the taste.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they whip better and incorporate more easily into the mixture.

Nutritional benefits
This cake contains healthy ingredients like nuts, which are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and coffee, which can provide an energy boost. However, considering the amount of sugar, it is best to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace coffee with something else?
Yes, you can use milk or another preferred beverage, but the cake will have a different flavor.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the glaze to maintain its texture.

This Five O'Clock Cake recipe is not only a quick and simple dessert to prepare, but also a true delicacy that will delight everyone's taste buds. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the indulgence this delicious cake offers!