Napolitan wafers with walnut and caramel

The dessert I propose today is one of my favorite culinary memories. It is a cake that perfectly combines the crunchy crust of wafer sheets with a decadent filling of nuts and caramel, a combination that will delight you with every bite. Although it is a dessert that can quickly become a favorite, I recommend enjoying it in moderation, considering the amount of sugar it contains. While making it, you will discover not just a simple recipe, but also a story full of flavor.

Preparation time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 10 minutes (for toasting the nuts)
- Cooling: 2-24 hours (ideally overnight)
- Total: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
- 6 small wafer sheets (or 3 large sheets cut in half)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for the egg mixture)
- 250 g butter (or Rama Maestro margarine)
- 1 cup of roasted and chopped nuts

A bit of history
Wafer cakes have always been a popular choice in many cultures, becoming a symbol of festive sweets. They are often associated with moments of joy, parties, and family gatherings. Over time, many recipes have been adapted and reinvented, but the combination of wafer, caramel, and nuts remains one of the most cherished.

Step by step

1. Caramelizing the sugar: Start by preparing the caramelized sugar. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the sugar from burning. Add the 2 cups of sugar and place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, being careful not to burn it. When the sugar turns golden, it is ready for the next step.

2. Adding the water: Carefully pour water over the caramelized sugar (be very careful of the steam that forms!) and let it cook until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Preparing the nuts: In a skillet, toast the chopped nuts over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The toasted nuts add intense flavor to your cake.

4. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the 2 eggs with the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you get a fluffy mixture. Add the flour, mixing gently, then incorporate the caramelized sugar syrup. Transfer the mixture to a heat-resistant dish and place it over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Adding the butter and nuts: Once the cream has thickened, remove from heat and add the diced butter, stirring until completely melted. Add the toasted nuts and mix well.

6. Assembling the cake: Let the cream reach room temperature. Then, start spreading each wafer sheet with the cream obtained, stacking them one on top of the other. The last sheet should remain unspread.

7. Pressing and cooling: Place a heavy object (a book or another dish) on top of the cake to press it lightly. Put the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight).

8. Serving: If you want to add a festive touch, you can drizzle chocolate glaze on top. This will add a delicious contrast between sweet and bitter.

Useful tips
- Caramelized sugar: Make sure not to turn your back on the sugar during caramelization, as it can burn very quickly.
- Nuts: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to achieve different flavors.
- Storage duration: The cake keeps well in the fridge for a week, but the taste improves if left to sit for a few days.
- Serving: Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a delightful culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use store-bought wafer sheets? Absolutely! Store-bought wafer sheets are a convenient and delicious choice.
2. Is it possible to make the recipe less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar, but this will affect the texture of the cream.
3. How can I make the cake healthier? Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener and use low-fat butter.

Delicious combinations
This wafer cake pairs perfectly with a flavorful coffee or a warm herbal tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce can transform the dessert into a refined experience.

Surely, this wafer cake with caramelized nut filling will quickly become a family favorite. Don't forget to prepare it with love and enjoy it with your loved ones!