Magda Cake

Magda Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

When I discovered the recipe for Magda Cake, I immediately knew it would become one of those culinary gems I would always keep close. A colleague named Magda shared this recipe with me many years ago, and the memory of its sweet and refined taste accompanies me every time I prepare it. It is a simple cake, yet full of flavor, combining a fluffy meringue base with ground walnuts and a fine, velvety almond cream. Although it has a classic recipe, each bite is like a story, and I am delighted to share it with you.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Cooling time: 3 hours (or overnight)
- Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons flour

For the cream:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 200 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 5 egg yolks
- almond essence (to taste)

For decoration:
- 100 g sugar
- 60 g toasted and chopped walnuts

Recipe History

Magda Cake is part of those traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, each adding a personal touch. It is a perfect example of how a simple combination of ingredients can create a truly special dessert. This cake can be served on special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to a Sunday.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base
- Start with the base. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the flour. Gently fold this mixture into the meringue using a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.
- Line a 30x22 cm baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the meringue mixture, leveling it evenly. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Check if the base is baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

2. Preparing the Cream
- While the base is baking, you can start preparing the cream. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the flour and a little milk to form a smooth paste.
- Place the remaining milk in a saucepan over heat and bring it to a boil. Add the egg yolk mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the saucepan to a bain-marie and continue to stir until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and add the almond essence. Allow the cream to cool for 3 hours (or you can prepare the cream in the evening and refrigerate it overnight).

3. Finalizing the Cream
- Once the cream has cooled, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy foam. Gradually add the almond cream, ensuring that each portion is fully integrated into the butter before adding the next.

4. Assembling the Cake
- Once the base has cooled, you can cut it into rounds, rectangles, or cubes, according to your preference. Spread the cream over each piece or on the whole base, depending on how you want your cake to look.
- For decoration, prepare the caramel: melt the sugar in a saucepan over low heat until it turns golden. Add the toasted and chopped walnuts, stirring quickly. Pour the caramel onto a plate with a little water and let it cool.
- Once the caramel is cool, crush it with a kitchen hammer and sprinkle the caramel pieces over each serving of cake.

Serving Suggestions

Magda Cake can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect companion for a relaxing afternoon. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce would add an extra layer of flavor. If you want to impress, you can add some fresh seasonal fruits for a pleasant contrast.

Unadorned Version

If you want to prepare Magda Cake for an ordinary day, you can leave the base whole, covering it with cream and leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed caramel on top and cut the cake into cubes or rectangles. The taste will remain just as delicious, and the appearance will be simpler yet equally tempting.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although a dessert, also offers some nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. Walnuts are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, while almonds contain vitamin E, beneficial for skin health and the immune system. Butter, in moderate amounts, provides a source of energy, while sugar should be consumed in moderation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I use instead of walnuts?
- You can experiment with hazelnuts or ground pistachios for a different flavor.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, but be sure to maintain the balance of flavor.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing for easier enjoyment later.

4. Is there a vegan version of this cake?
- Yes, you can use tapioca egg whites or aquafaba to replace the egg whites, and the butter can be substituted with vegan butter.

In conclusion, Magda Cake is not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary experience. I invite you to prepare it, enjoy every step of the process, and savor the final result with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and let me know how it turned out!