Ness cream cake

Ness Cream Cake - A sweet delicacy that will delight your senses

Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Number of servings: 12

Enjoy a recipe for ness cream cake, a true culinary gem that blends the rich flavors of nuts with the intensity of coffee. This special dessert has become a favorite for everyone who has had the chance to sweeten their festive meals with it. Whether you prepare it as a cake or as a pastry, it is impossible not to bring a smile to your face. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a family story, a sweet memory worth sharing.

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that will turn this recipe into a success.

Necessary ingredients

For the layers:
- 9 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 500 g walnuts (350 g ground and 150 g for decoration)
- 500 g powdered sugar (preferably store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 6 teaspoons of ness (or powdered chicory, if you prefer a caffeine-free alternative)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 egg yolks (separated from the whites)

Necessary utensils
- Baking tray (25 x 35 cm or a 26 cm diameter cake pan)
- Parchment paper
- Mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or whisk

Preparing the layers

1. Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, add a pinch of salt to the 9 egg whites and start beating them with a mixer on medium speed. When the egg whites become frothy, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy consistency.

2. Add the nuts: Once the egg whites are beaten, add the lemon juice and the ground walnuts. Use a whisk to gently fold in the ingredients, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

3. Divide the mixture: Divide the mixture into three equal parts. This is an important step to ensure even baking of the layers.

4. Bake the layers: Line the tray with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter. Pour the first part of the mixture and bake at a low temperature (about 150 degrees Celsius) for 15-20 minutes or until the surface is firm and the edges are lightly browned. Repeat this step for the other two portions.

Preparing the cream

5. Mix the yolks: In a separate bowl, combine the 4 egg yolks with the granulated sugar and the 6 teaspoons of ness dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Place the mixture over low heat and stir continuously. You will notice it starting to thicken, reaching the consistency of a thick sauce. This step requires patience and constant stirring.

6. Add the butter: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter. Stir until the butter completely melts and incorporates into the ness cream. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.

Assembling the cake

7. Layering: Once the layers have completely cooled, carefully peel them off the parchment paper. Here you need to be cautious, as the layers are fragile. Start with the first layer, add a layer of ness cream (about a quarter of the prepared cream), and sprinkle some of the remaining walnuts.

8. Continue assembling: Repeat this process for the other layers, alternating cream and walnuts. The top layer will be covered with the remaining cream.

9. Decorate: Use the remaining walnuts to decorate the top of the cake. This is your moment to let your creativity shine!

Serving and variations

The ness cream cake is delicious served plain, but you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of freshly brewed coffee will also perfectly complement the flavors of this dessert. If you want to experiment, you can add flavors such as rum or vanilla essence to the cream for an extra kick.

Helpful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- If the layers stick to the parchment paper, it means they haven't cooled completely. Wait for them to cool fully before peeling them off.
- The cake will keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days, but don’t let it linger too long, as the flavors will intensify.

Nutritional benefits

Walnuts are an excellent source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, and the combination of eggs and butter provides a consistent intake of essential nutrients. This cake, although indulgent, can be enjoyed in moderation, offering an explosion of flavors and textures.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, but the taste will vary.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or opt for a less sweet ness.

3. Is it possible to make the cake dairy-free? You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and use almond milk or another substitute to create a dairy-free version.

In conclusion, the ness cream cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a journey of flavors, a love letter to classic desserts. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake is sure to bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So let’s get cooking and create sweet memories!