Nut Cake

Nut Cake - The Delight That Enchants Your Senses

Who doesn't love a cake that combines the rich aroma of walnuts with a fine cream and a decadent chocolate glaze? The nut cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a celebration, a gathering with friends, or simply a personal treat. This cake is not only delicious but also a recipe full of history, often associated with moments of conviviality and love around the table.

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

Ingredients for the Base:

- 6 eggs
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Ingredients for the Cream:

- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets instant coffee
- 2 egg yolks

Ingredients for the Glaze:

- 150 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 125 ml cream
- Walnuts for decoration (optional, caramelized for a spectacular effect)

Step by Step: Preparing the Nut Cake

1. Preparing the Base:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is important to prepare your oven in advance so that you have the optimal temperature when you place the base inside.

2. Place the walnuts on a baking tray and put them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, being careful to turn them occasionally. Attention! Do not let them burn; you just want to intensify their aroma.

3. After the walnuts have cooled, place them in a food processor and chop them. You can leave them in larger pieces if you like the texture.

4. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until they become firm, then gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a shiny meringue.

5. Add the yolks one at a time, gently mixing to avoid losing air from the mixture.

6. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts. Incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

2. Preparing the Cream:

1. While the base is cooling, start preparing the cream. Beat the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy and light-colored foam.

2. Add the yolks one at a time and continue mixing.

3. Incorporate the instant coffee and chopped walnuts, mixing until well combined.

3. Preparing the Glaze:

1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan, being careful not to bring it to a boil.

2. Add the chopped chocolate and stir well until completely melted and becomes a homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the base has completely cooled, spread the walnut cream evenly over the entire surface.

2. Pour the chocolate glaze over the cream, ensuring it covers the entire cake.

3. For a special appearance, you can decorate the cake with walnut halves. Personally, I like to caramelize a few walnuts in a pan with sugar – they will add a crunchy and sweet contrast.

5. Serving:

Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cream and glaze to set well. Serve the nut cake alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. It is a dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Practical Tips:

- Walnuts: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use roasted walnuts. You can also experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.

- Instant Coffee: If you don't have instant coffee, you can use instant coffee granules. The taste will be just as delicious.

- Glaze: If you like white chocolate, you can replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter glaze.

- Serving: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use ground walnuts instead of whole walnuts? Of course! Ground walnuts will add a uniform texture, but if you want to feel larger pieces, use chopped walnuts.

- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to assemble and glaze it after thawing to maintain freshness.

- How long can I keep the cake? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh for up to a week.

Nutritional Benefits:

The nut cake is not just a sweet indulgence but also a source of nutrients. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to heart and brain health. Butter provides healthy fats, and dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can offer health benefits due to its antioxidant content.

In conclusion, the nut cake is a simple and delicious recipe that can quickly become your family's favorite. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a moment of personal indulgence, this cake will bring smiles and joy to the faces of your loved ones. Savor each slice and share with those around you!