Mint Cake - Recipe No. 100

Mint Cake - Recipe No. 100

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we joyfully celebrate recipe number 100! It’s a special moment, and to mark it, I will delight you with a delicious mint cake, a perfect combination of refreshing flavors and fine textures. This cake not only impresses with its appearance but also with its unique taste, making it ideal for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 4 large, fresh eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 250 g of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 8 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons of mint extract

*For the syrup:*
- 100 ml of lukewarm water
- 3 teaspoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of mint extract

*For decoration:*
- 150 g of mint chocolate (like After Eight or Royal Mints)
- 100 g of chocolate (for melting)
- 50 g of mint chocolate (chopped)

Step by step in preparing the mint cake:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a high-speed mixer until you achieve a firm, shiny foam. This step is essential for a fluffy base!

2. Adding the sugar:
Once the egg whites are beaten, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny.

3. Incorporating the yolks and water:
Add the yolks and water one at a time, mixing constantly. It’s important to do this step slowly to avoid losing air from the egg white foam.

4. Adding dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts. Use a spatula to incorporate these ingredients into the egg mixture, stirring gently to avoid deflating the foam.

5. Baking the base:
Pour the obtained mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely.

6. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the sugar granules are no longer felt. Add the cocoa and mint extract, continuing to mix until the cream becomes homogeneous. This cream will give the cake an intense mint flavor!

7. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has cooled, cut it in half. Prepare the syrup by mixing lukewarm water with powdered sugar and mint extract. Soak the first layer of the base with the obtained syrup, then spread three-quarters of the mint cream and level it well.

8. Finalizing the cake:
Place the second layer of the base on top, soak it, and spread the remaining cream on it. Grate the chocolate from the freezer over the cake for an elegant look, then add the chopped mint chocolate.

9. Cooling and serving:
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up the cream. It’s time to serve this delicacy! You can accompany the cake with a warm mint tea or a flavored espresso for a perfect contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This mint cake contains protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter, making it a more indulgent choice, but one that can be enjoyed in moderation. The walnuts add a source of fiber and omega-3, while the mint chocolate provides a boost of antioxidants.

Useful tips:
1. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture.
2. You can replace the mint extract with peppermint essential oil, but use a very small amount as it is much more concentrated.
3. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add some dark chocolate pieces to the cream.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of nut? Yes, you can try almonds or hazelnuts, but the taste will change slightly.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Is the cake suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! Its appearance and taste make it perfect for parties or celebrations.

Try this mint cake recipe and enjoy every bite! It’s an excellent choice for those who love the combination of chocolate and mint. I encourage you to experiment and customize the recipe to your liking by adding, for example, berries or other flavors you enjoy. Bon appétit!