Nut Cake

Nut and Chocolate Cream Dessert is a classic recipe, loved by many generations, with a family story that adds a special charm. This cake is not just a simple snack, but a true culinary experience, full of textures and flavors that will delight your senses. It is my mother's favorite dessert and always reminds us of the warm moments spent together in the kitchen. In this detailed guide, I will show you how to prepare this delicious cake step by step, so you can achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time:
- 20 minutes (preparation)
- 25 minutes (baking)
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

Sheets
- 9 egg whites
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of ground nuts
- 3 tablespoons of flour

Cream
- 9 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of water
- 18 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa
- 150 g of butter

Necessary utensils
- Mixer
- Baking tray (20x30 cm)
- Baking paper
- Steaming pot
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sheets
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they form a foam. It is important that the bowl is perfectly clean, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
3. Add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. You should be able to turn the bowl upside down without the foam spilling out!
4. Gently fold in the ground nuts and flour with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and smooth it out. Bake the sheets in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Repeat the process to have 3 delicious sheets.
6. Once baked, let the sheets cool in the tray.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks, water, vanilla essence, sugar, and cocoa. This mixture will be the base for your delicious cream.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water (double boiler technique) and stir constantly. It is essential not to stop stirring to prevent the egg yolks from coagulating.
3. Continue stirring until the cream thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Let the cream cool completely.
4. In another bowl, beat the butter at room temperature until fluffy. Start incorporating the egg yolk cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously to achieve a homogeneous composition.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. On a platter, place the first nut sheet. Spread a layer of chocolate cream on top.
2. Continue with the second sheet, followed by another layer of cream, then add the third sheet.
3. Finally, cover the entire cake with the remaining cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set and allow the flavors to meld.

Practical tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a better texture of the cream.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can replace the vanilla essence with almond essence.
- You can add chocolate chips to the cream for an even more intense taste.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is rich in protein due to the egg whites and yolks, providing an excellent source of energy. The nuts add healthy fats and fiber, while the cocoa contains antioxidants that may contribute to heart health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will give the cake a caramelized note.

2. What is the ideal way to store the cake?
It is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered with cling film or in an airtight container, to keep it fresh.

3. Can I add fruits to the cake?
You can add banana slices or berries between the layers of cream for a fresh touch.

Possible variations
- Almond sheet cake: Replace nuts with ground almonds for a different version.
- Lime cream cake: You can add lime juice to the chocolate cream for a refreshing citrus taste.

This nut and chocolate cream dessert is not just a dessert, but a family story, full of memories and beautiful moments. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every bite with your loved ones. Bon appétit!