Nut Cake

Walnut cake with egg yolk glaze – a delight that combines the soft texture of the dough with the crunchiness of the walnut meringue and the sweetness of the glaze, all in perfect harmony. This recipe will not only transform an ordinary day into a special moment but will also bring pleasant memories around the table, alongside loved ones.

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

A brief history of the recipe:
Walnut cake with egg yolk glaze is a traditional dish often associated with holidays and family gatherings. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but its simple and natural ingredients have made it a favorite for many generations. This cake is a symbol of warmth and conviviality, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 100 g butter (preferably at room temperature, for easy incorporation)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg (ideally at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (you can use cooking cream, with a thicker consistency)
- 400 g flour (reserve a tablespoon for use during kneading)
- 100 g dark chocolate (or 2 tablespoons of cocoa – chocolate adds a richer and more flavorful note)
- 1 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- rum essence (for an extra flavor)

For the walnut cream:
- 4 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 250 g ground walnuts (you can also use hazelnuts or almonds for variation)
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g powdered sugar

Step by step – Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by melting the dark chocolate together with the sour cream. You can use a double boiler, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth mixture. This will give your cake an intense flavor.
- In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use a mixer to combine them until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, mixing well. Then, add the melted chocolate mixture, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and rum essence. Continue to mix.
- Finally, add the flour and knead well until you obtain an elastic dough. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

2. Chilling the dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and form balls. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

3. Preparing the walnut cream:
- Meanwhile, prepare the walnut cream. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a stiff and shiny meringue.
- Incorporate the ground walnuts, mixing carefully so as not to destroy the texture of the meringue.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Remove the first piece of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out directly into the tray. Make sure you have an even thickness.
- Spread apricot jam (or another preferred jam) over the surface of the dough.
- Pour the walnut meringue over the jam, leveling it evenly.
- Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top of the filling.

5. Baking:
- Bake the cake for 30 minutes at 180°C. In the last 8 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and prepare the glaze.

6. Preparing the glaze:
- Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until creamy and light in color.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cake just out of the oven.
- Put the cake back in the oven and let it bake until the glaze is firm and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.

7. Cooling and serving:
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When completely cooled, cut the cake into portions and enjoy it with your loved ones.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or a strong espresso. You can also serve it with vanilla ice cream, which will add a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.

Possible variations:
To give a personalized touch to this cake, you can try adding raisins or chocolate chips to the meringue. Additionally, you can replace the walnuts with other types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, to achieve a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- What can I use instead of nuts?
You can use hazelnuts, almonds, or even coconut flakes for a more exotic version.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

- Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the final result may vary.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake, while delicious, also contains nutritious ingredients. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants that can contribute to heart health.

In conclusion, this walnut cake with egg yolk glaze recipe is not only a quick and simple dessert but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. Try it and enjoy every bite!