Flourless cake a la Jamie Oliver

Flourless Cake a la Jamie Oliver - An Unmatched Delight

Total preparation time: 1h 20min
Baking time: 1h
Preparation time: 20min
Number of servings: 12

If you're looking for a quick, simple, and incredibly delicious dessert recipe, Jamie Oliver's flourless cake is the perfect choice! This decadent cake, which requires no flour, is based on the rich flavors of nuts and chocolate, creating a dessert that will delight your taste buds without worrying about calories. In the end, you'll have a moist cake with a fine texture and intense flavor, perfect for special occasions as well as everyday indulgence.

The history of this cake is linked to diverse culinary traditions, where simple ingredients are elevated through ingenious preparation techniques. This is a recipe that has gained popularity due to its simplicity, as well as the exquisite taste it offers.

Ingredients:

- 100 g almonds
- 200 g walnuts
- 200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 200 g butter
- 6 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- essences (optional)
- 1 packet baking powder

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This detail is essential for achieving an even and airy cake. Open the window or leave the ingredients on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting.

2. Preparing the pan: Take a 20x30 cm baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step will help the cake not to stick and will facilitate its cooling after baking.

3. Preheating the oven: Set the oven to 180°C to heat evenly. This will ensure consistent baking and prevent uneven cracks on the surface of the cake.

4. Grinding the nuts: In a food processor, add the almonds and walnuts along with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Grind them until you achieve a fine texture, but not too homogeneous. Leave some larger pieces, as they will add a crunchy note to your cake.

5. Chocolate: You can chop the dark chocolate in the processor or grate it with a knife. Choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor.

6. Beating the butter: In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy. If you want a sweeter cake, you can add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar now. Personally, I chose not to add extra sugar, as the chocolate is sweet enough.

7. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each. This step will ensure an airy texture and even integration of the ingredients.

8. Incorporating the ground ingredients: Add the mixture of nuts and almonds, cocoa, baking powder, and gently mix with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to not destroy the air incorporated into the batter.

9. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake.

10. Incorporating the egg whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the butter and nut mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold from the bottom up to retain the air in the egg whites.

11. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about an hour. The cake is ready when it cracks on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few chocolate traces.

12. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature, accompanied by whipped cream and fresh mint leaves, or with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or add dried fruits to diversify the flavors. Also, a splash of vanilla or rum essence can further enhance the taste.
- Storing the cake: You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped.
- Nutritional benefits: Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while dark chocolate has health benefits, including improving mood and heart health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of chocolate?: Of course! You can use milk or white chocolate, but the result will be sweeter and the textures will vary.
- Is this recipe vegan?: No, as it contains eggs and butter. However, you can experiment with vegan substitutes to adapt the recipe.
- How can I make this cake without nuts?: You can try replacing the nuts with oats or crushed cookies, but the textures and flavors will be different.

Create a special moment by making this delicious cake and enjoy every bite! Whether it's a gathering with friends or a quiet evening with family, this cake will surely be a hit every time!