Kanuga

Kanuga Recipe - Quick Dessert with Cocoa and Coffee

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Kanuga is a sophisticated and delicious dessert, perfect for cocoa and coffee lovers. This simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into something truly special, ideal for serving on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. Let's discover together the steps to achieve a perfect result!

### Ingredients

For the base:
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons good quality cocoa
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee (choose a coffee with an intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons brewed coffee (espresso is ideal)
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee (optional, for a more pronounced coffee taste)
- 1 essence of vanilla or almond
- 3 eggs (separated)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons flour

For decoration:
- Whipped cream
- Almonds or grated chocolate (for added texture and flavor)

### Instructions

1. Preparing the cocoa and coffee cream: Start by adding to a pot on the heat: 100 g butter, 200 g sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 3 tablespoons of brewed coffee, and 2 teaspoons of instant coffee. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches boiling point. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let the cream cool completely.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the 3 egg yolks with the remaining 50 g of butter and the essence of vanilla or almond until you achieve a creamy mixture. Gradually add the cooled cocoa and coffee cream and mix well.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sift them over the wet mixture and gently mix until the ingredients are homogeneous.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another container, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cocoa mixture using a spatula, with up-and-down movements.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the batter into a greased and floured baking tray. Bake for 30 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the base cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Decorating: Once the base is completely cooled, cut it into portions and decorate each slice with whipped cream. Sprinkle almonds or grated chocolate on top for an attractive appearance and irresistible taste.

### Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor. Similarly, choose freshly ground coffee to achieve maximum aroma.
- Customization: You can replace the vanilla essence with almond essence to add a distinct note. Also, add crushed nuts or hazelnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Serving: Kanuga pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly brewed coffee to enhance the dessert's flavors.

This quick and delicious dessert is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your taste! Enjoy every bite!