Napoleon cake

The wafer cake, also known as Rumba cake, is a dessert that brings joy to any home. This recipe is a delicious combination of textures and flavors, making each slice a true explosion of tastes. I will present a simplified and economical version, but just as tasty, that will delight your family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon essence
- 170 g unsalted peanuts (or nuts)
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 2 packets of pudding (1 vanilla and 1 lemon)
- 800 ml milk
- 100 g sugar
- 200 g margarine
- 1 teaspoon of lemon essence
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest

Additionally:
- Wafer sheets (for a large tray, use 4 small sheets)

Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a large bowl for the egg whites, where you will beat them until stiff peaks form.

2. Adding the ingredients: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and continue beating. When the foam becomes firm, gradually incorporate the sugar, mixing for a few minutes until it completely dissolves.

3. Including the yolks: Add the yolks, lemon essence, baking powder, and flour. Mix at low speed until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

4. Incorporating the peanuts: Grind the peanuts and fold them into the batter. They not only add a delicious flavor but also a crunchy texture.

5. Baking: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray, forming a thin layer. Don’t worry, that’s how it should be! Preheat the oven to low heat and bake the batter for 20-25 minutes without opening the oven door.

Preparing the cream

1. Heating the milk: In a saucepan, heat 700 ml of milk together with the sugar.

2. Preparing the pudding: Mix the two packets of pudding with 2-3 tablespoons of cold milk to form a paste. Add this paste to the warm milk, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps.

3. Cooking the cream: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens. Add the essence and lemon zest, mixing well.

4. Cooling the cream: Turn off the heat and let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes. Then, beat the pudding with the margarine until you obtain a smooth cream. Place the cream in the refrigerator to cool.

Assembling the cake

1. Preparing the wafer sheets: Place two wafer sheets in the tray, side by side. Make sure they are well positioned, so there are no gaps.

2. Adding the cream: Spread a thin layer of cream over the wafer sheets.

3. Placing the base: Add the cake base over the cream. Continue with another layer of cream and finish with two more wafer sheets.

4. Pressing: Cover the cake with a piece of parchment paper and gently press for about 30 minutes. It is important not to leave it too long to avoid excessive softening of the wafer sheets.

5. Final cooling: Ideally, let it chill in the refrigerator overnight for the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving

The wafer cake can be easily cut with a wide-bladed knife. It can be served plain, dusted with sugar, or glazed, depending on your preferences. It is delicious even after 2 days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Variations and suggestions

If you want to experiment, you can replace the peanuts with nuts or combine various ingredients such as Turkish delight, raisins, or dried fruits like cranberries or goji berries. If you prefer a taller cake, double the quantities or bake the base in a smaller tray.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Peanuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, while the pudding provides calcium from milk.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can replace the peanuts with nuts, almonds, or other types of nuts according to your preferences.

2. How long can the cake be stored? Stored in the refrigerator, the cake can be consumed for up to 3 days without losing its freshness.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine is a good choice for this recipe, but you can also use butter for a richer taste.

4. Can I add cocoa to the base? Absolutely! You can add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa to the batter for a chocolate cake variation.

5. Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using lentil eggs or other vegan egg substitutes and vegan margarine.

This wafer cake is not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary treasure, full of memories and flavor. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to pamper your family, each slice will bring smiles and joy. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!