Nut and chocolate cake

Nut and Chocolate Cake: A Delicacy That Will Sweeten Your Days

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the crunchy texture of nuts, this nut and chocolate cake is the perfect choice. Whether you are a dessert enthusiast or a beginner in cooking, this recipe will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. With an intense flavor and an elegant presentation, this cake is ideal for special occasions as well as for moments when you want to treat yourself.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 6 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 150 g flour
- 100 g ground nuts
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

For the cream:
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 7 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 400 g whipped cream (beaten)
- 250 g ground nuts
- 1 Bourbon vanilla pod (or vanilla extract)

For the syrup:
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml water
- 3-4 cubes of dark chocolate

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate with coffee cream
- 100 ml liquid cream for whipping
- 50 g butter

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Mixing butter with sugar: In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until creamy and fluffy. This is when the flavors develop, so don't skip this step.

2. Adding the yolks: Add the egg yolks one by one and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground nuts. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three stages, gently folding with a spatula to maintain airiness.

4. Beating the egg whites: Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the base mixture. This step will add volume and lightness to the base.

5. Melting the chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave. Make sure not to overheat it. Add the melted chocolate to the base mixture and mix well.

6. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the base cool completely before cutting.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Mixing butter with powdered sugar: In another bowl, mix the butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it becomes a fluffy cream.

2. Incorporating the whipped cream: Gradually add the whipped cream, mixing carefully to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Adding the nuts: Finally, fold in the ground nuts. This cream will add extra flavor and texture to the cake.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pan, place the 4 tablespoons of sugar and let it caramelize lightly. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt caramel will give a bitter taste.

2. Adding the water: When the sugar has melted, carefully add 200 ml of water. Let it simmer on low heat until all the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Incorporating the chocolate: Add the dark chocolate cubes and stir until completely melted. The syrup will add moisture and flavor to the bases.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the base: Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled base into three equal horizontal layers.

2. Soaking the layers: Take the first layer of the base and soak it with the prepared syrup. Add half of the cream and level it out.

3. Adding the next layer: Place the second base layer on top of the cream, soak it again, and add the remaining cream. Cover with the last layer.

4. Glazing the cake: Melt the dark chocolate with the liquid cream and butter in a bain-marie, stirring until you get a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Do not smooth it out for a rustic look.

5. Decorating: You can decorate the cake with whole nuts, chocolate flakes, or berries, depending on your preferences.

Serving and Pairings

This nut and chocolate cake boasts extraordinary versatility. It can be served plain, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs perfectly with a fragrant black tea or a cappuccino. If you feel adventurous, add some fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Nuts are rich in omega-3 and antioxidants, while dark chocolate contains flavonoids that help heart health. Of course, like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. What can I do with leftover cake?
If you have leftovers, you can transform the cake into a delicious parfait, alternating layers of cake with Greek yogurt and fruits.

4. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It can be enjoyed even after a few days, but it will certainly retain its flavor.

Possible Variations

- Fruit Cake: Add pieces of banana or pear to the base mixture for a fruity note.
- Caramel Cake: You can add a caramel sauce between layers for a decadent taste.
- Vegan Cake: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs to make a version without animal products.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get cooking! This nut and chocolate cake will not only delight your taste buds but will also become a favorite among your loved ones. The perfect indulgence for any occasion!