Krantz Cake

Krantz cake is a refined delicacy with an attractive appearance and an unparalleled taste, combining crunchy and creamy textures. This cake, with layers of thin sheets and a rich vanilla cream, will turn any occasion into a special moment. Whether you're preparing it for an important event or simply to indulge yourself, Krantz cake is the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For each sheet (three sheets in total):
- 3 egg whites
- 100 g ground walnuts (you can also use almonds for a different flavor)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Oil for greasing the pan
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 9 egg yolks
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g powdered sugar

For the topping:
- 150 g walnut kernels
- 100 g sugar

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Sheets:
To obtain the three delicious sheets, we start with the egg whites. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Continue beating until you achieve a consistent foam that forms soft peaks. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until it dissolves completely. The texture should become glossy and firm.

2. Incorporating Ingredients:
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the flour and ground walnuts, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture. This step is essential for obtaining airy and light sheets.

3. Preparing the Pan:
Grease the back of a pan with oil, then place a baking sheet, which you grease again with a little oil. This trick will facilitate the removal of the sheets from the pan. Spread the mixture evenly on the pan using a spoon or spatula, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

4. Baking:
Place the pan in a preheated oven at low heat (about 160°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until the sheet turns golden. After baking, let the sheet cool completely on a rack. Repeat the process for the other two sheets.

5. Preparing the Cream:
In a saucepan, combine the 9 egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Place the saucepan over a bain-marie and stir constantly for 20 minutes until the mixture becomes a thick and silky cream. Once cooled, beat the butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the egg yolk cream over the beaten butter and mix until well combined.

6. Preparing the Topping:
In a non-stick pan, melt the sugar until it becomes liquid. Add the walnut kernels and mix well until the nuts are evenly coated. Place this mixture on an oiled plate and let it cool. After cooling, crush the nuts to obtain a fine powder.

7. Assembling the Cake:
Place the first sheet on a plate and spread some cream on top. Continue with the second sheet, add more cream, and repeat with the third sheet. When finished, spread the remaining cream on top of the cake and sprinkle the crushed praline nuts on top for a crunchy and delicious appearance.

8. Cooling:
Let the Krantz cake cool in the fridge for a few hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.

Serving:
Cut the cake into squares and serve it cold, alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can experiment with different types of tea, such as a red fruit tea or green tea, to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping.
- You can replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- If you want an extra flavor, add a few drops of rum essence to the egg yolk cream.
- Use a silicone spatula to mix the ingredients to maintain air in the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, the Krantz cake can be made a day ahead, and the flavor will become even better as it sits in the fridge.

2. How can I prevent the sheets from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease the pan and the baking sheet well with oil before pouring in the mixture.

3. What else can I do with the leftover cream?
The leftover cream is perfect for filling pancakes or as a topping for simple cakes.

4. Is Krantz cake suitable for vegans?
Although the original recipe is not vegan, you can experiment with egg and butter substitutes to create a vegan version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Krantz cake contains nuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Egg yolks contain essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B12, contributing to a rich and delicious cream.

Enjoy every bite of this wonderful cake and savor the time spent in the kitchen! Bon appétit!