Grenoble cake with coffee and nuts

The coffee and walnut cake is a perfect delicacy for any occasion, inspired by the sweet traditions of international cuisine. This refined cake combines the rich flavors of coffee with the crunchy texture of walnuts, creating a dessert that not only impresses but also delights the taste buds. Whether you want to sweeten a birthday party or surprise your loved ones, this cake is sure to attract all eyes. Let's discover together how to prepare this wonderful cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients for the base:
- 5 eggs
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the cream:
- 1 package of butter (approx. 200 g), at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon very concentrated liquid coffee
- 2 tablespoons ground walnuts
- A handful of raisins
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Ingredients for the syrup:
- 300 g sugar
- 250 ml water
- Rum essence (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by preparing all the ingredients. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff in a clean, dry bowl, then refrigerate them to firm up.
- In another bowl, mix the yolks with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes whitish and creamy. Add the rum essence, ground walnuts, and flour mixed with baking powder. You will obtain a thicker batter, but don't worry, it will become more fluid in the next step.
- Take two tablespoons of the egg white foam and fold them into the yolk mixture to loosen it. If you find it still too thick, you can add 100 ml of milk.
- Begin to fold in the remaining egg white foam, adding it with a spoon and mixing gently from top to bottom. This step is crucial to keep the air in the egg whites, which will make the base fluffy.
- Pour the batter into a 23 cm diameter cake pan lined with oiled parchment paper, and bake for 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Let it cool in the pan.

2. Preparing the cream:
- Beat the egg in a bowl and add the sugar. Place the mixture over low heat or in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the mixture is smooth and cooled, incorporate the room-temperature butter, mixing until creamy.
- Add the coffee gradually, continuing to mix at medium speed. At this point, it is recommended to divide the cream into two parts: one third of the cream obtained and mix it with the ground walnuts, cocoa, and raisins to create a delicious filling.

3. Preparing the syrup:
- In a small pot, place 300 g of sugar over low heat. Stir constantly until sugar caramelizes to a honey color.
- Add 250 ml of water and let the syrup boil until all the sugar is completely dissolved. After it has cooled, add the rum essence.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Once the base has completely cooled, carefully detach it from the parchment paper. Cut it into 3 horizontal layers.
- Soak each layer with the syrup obtained, being careful not to saturate them too much to maintain texture.
- Spread a layer of walnut cream between each layer of base, followed by a layer of coffee cream.
- Finally, cover the entire cake with the remaining coffee cream, ensuring it is even.
- Decorate the cake with chocolate crumbs and decorative beads if desired.

5. Serving:
- The cake is ready to serve, but it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least 4-5 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for a relaxing afternoon.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for a smoother cream.
- For a special touch, you can add additional flavor essences to the syrup or cream, such as vanilla or orange essence.
- If you don't have liquid coffee, you can use very strong coffee.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains walnuts, which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Coffee, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants, and butter contributes to the intake of essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the walnuts with another type of dried fruit?
Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor.

2. What can I do if I don't have liquid coffee available?
You can use strong coffee, but adjust the amount according to your preferences.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, but it is best consumed fresh, after a few hours of chilling.

Dare to try this coffee and walnut cake recipe, which will not only fill the tables with flavor but will also bring joy in every bite! So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!