Nut and mascarpone cream dessert cake

Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream – A Holiday Delight

Holidays are moments of joy, but also of culinary indulgence. What could be more delightful than treating your family to a delicious cake that quickly becomes everyone’s favorite? Today, I invite you to discover my recipe for walnut cake with mascarpone cream, a perfect choice for your Easter table! This cake is not only a quick dessert but also an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 6 egg whites
- 4 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the cream:
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 100 g butter
- 250 g mascarpone
- Juice of half a lemon (or vanilla extract)

For decoration:
- 2-3 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1-2 tablespoons Nesquik or cocoa powder

Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the egg whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in a clean bowl and add a pinch of salt. Beat them at high speed until stiff peaks form. It’s important that the bowl is dry; otherwise, the egg whites won’t whip properly.

2. Adding the sugar: Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar while continuing to beat well after each addition. You should achieve a shiny and firm meringue.

3. Preparing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the flour and baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the batter.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time to the egg white mixture, gently folding from the bottom up to retain the air in the egg whites.

5. Adding the dry ingredients: Carefully fold in the walnut and flour mixture in 2-3 batches. Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the Cream

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the two egg yolks with the sugar, flour, and milk. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

2. Cooking: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the cream thickens. It’s important not to over-thicken the cream; it should have a smooth and velvety texture.

3. Adding the butter: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the butter. Stir well until it completely melts and incorporates into the cream.

4. Incorporating the mascarpone: After the cream has cooled completely, add the mascarpone and lemon juice (or vanilla extract) and mix well until you achieve a smooth and airy cream.

Assembling the Cake

1. Spreading the cream: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth it out.

2. Decorating: Sprinkle the ground walnuts on top, followed by the Nesquik or cocoa powder, according to your preference. This step not only adds a nice appearance but also enhances the flavor.

3. Chilling: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up slightly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This walnut cake with mascarpone cream is delicious served plain, but you can enhance it by adding chocolate chunks on top or a fruit sauce. You can also use vanilla extract instead of lemon juice for a sweeter flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Walnuts are an excellent source of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, while mascarpone adds creaminess and flavor. This cake offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can use hazelnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor.
- Can this cake be made a day in advance? Absolutely! In fact, it will taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
- How can I store the cake? It’s best to store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

In conclusion, this walnut cake with mascarpone cream is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. Whether you serve it alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, it’s sure to be a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!