Nut and coffee cake

Walnut and Coffee Cake – A Delight for Sunny Days

Welcome to the wonderful world of sweets! Today, I will share with you a delicious recipe for walnut and coffee cake, perfect for celebrating beautiful moments with loved ones. Whether it’s someone special’s birthday or you simply want to treat your family, this cake will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

The history of this cake is simple and full of memories. The combination of walnut and coffee is a classic duo that has delighted generations. The walnuts, with their crunchy texture, perfectly complement the rich aroma of coffee, providing an unforgettable taste experience. Let’s get started!

Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
Baking time:
- 20 minutes
Total time:
- 50 minutes
Number of servings:
- 12 servings

Ingredients

For the base:
- 300 g egg whites (~8 egg whites)
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g roasted and ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons flour

For the cream:
- 200 g butter
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee

Step by step: Preparing the walnut and coffee cake

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl you will use to beat the egg whites is clean and dry. A pinch of salt will help the egg whites whip better.
2. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer on medium speed to beat them until they form stiff peaks.
3. Adding the sugar: Continue mixing and gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture is dense and glossy, similar to meringue.
4. Combining the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts.
5. Incorporating the ingredients: Add the walnut and flour mixture to the egg white foam. Use a spatula and carefully fold in with gentle up-and-down motions to avoid losing air in the mixture.
6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about 20 minutes. The base is ready when it turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Melting the butter: In a saucepan, partially melt the butter, leaving a few unmelted pieces. This trick will add texture and flavor to your cream.
2. Mixing the butter: Use a mixer to beat the melted butter until it cools and comes together again, forming a smooth and fluffy cream.
3. Adding sugar and flavoring ingredients: Add the sugar, cocoa, and instant coffee. Continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved and the cream is homogeneous.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Cooling the base: Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack, still on the parchment paper.
2. Cutting the base: After it has completely cooled, gently peel off the parchment paper and cut the base into 3 equal strips, creating a long and narrow cake.
3. Applying the cream: Divide the cream into 3 equal parts and spread it over each strip of the base, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Final cooling: Refrigerate the cake for an hour to allow the cream to set.

Step 4: Serving
1. Decorating the cake: For an attractive appearance, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of the cake. This will not only add an elegant look but also a crunchy texture.
2. Cutting the portions: Slice the cake as desired and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Helpful tips for a perfect result
- Egg whites: Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fluffier foam.
- Walnuts: Use roasted walnuts for a more intense flavor. You can roast the walnuts in the oven for 5-10 minutes to enhance the aroma.
- Variations: You can add a splash of rum or vanilla essence to the cream for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions
- How can I store the cake?: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.
- What drinks pair well with this cake?: A cup of fresh coffee or a fruit tea will pair perfectly with the sweetness of this cake.
- Can I substitute instant coffee?: Yes, you can use concentrated brewed coffee for a more intense flavor.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free?: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond or oat flour.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Each serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, making it a sweet but moderate choice. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while coffee provides an energy boost and contains beneficial nutrients.

This walnut and coffee cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to share moments of joy. So, enjoy every bite and the company of your loved ones. Happy birthday, Irina! Wishing you beautiful and sunny days!