Nut Cake

Chinese Walnut Cake - A Delicious Treat Easy to Prepare

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The story of this cake is rooted in the traditions of homemade sweets, being a dessert loved by many families. This Chinese Walnut Cake recipe is simple yet delicious, featuring a perfect combination of soft cake and fine yolk cream. Instead of the traditional chocolate glaze, we chose to sprinkle roasted and ground walnuts on top, adding a crunchy texture and intense flavor. It’s a dessert that will bring a smile to your face!

Ingredients for the Cake:
- 6 egg whites
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g roasted and ground walnuts
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 100 g flour
- 1 vial rum essence

Ingredients for the Meringue:
- 6 egg yolks
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 100 g roasted and ground walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cake
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 25/35 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Make sure the paper is well placed so that the cake does not stick.

2. Whipping the Egg Whites
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will add extraordinary airiness to your cake. It may take a few minutes, but the result is worth the effort.

3. Preparing the Fluffy Mixture
In another bowl, cream the butter at room temperature with the powdered sugar and rum essence. Beat well until the mixture is creamy and light in color. Then, sift the flour with the baking powder and cocoa powder, adding them gradually to the butter mixture. Also add the ground walnuts, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. Combining the Ingredients
Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the butter mixture, being careful not to deflate them. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and light cake.

5. Baking the Cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

6. Preparing the Yolk Cream
While the cake is baking, prepare the yolk cream. Beat the yolks with the powdered sugar and vanilla essence until they become a light-colored, fluffy cream.

7. Adding the Cream
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the yolk cream on top. Evenly sprinkle the roasted and ground walnuts over the cream for added texture and flavor.

8. Finalizing the Baking
Put the tray back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, open the oven door to allow moisture to escape, which will help achieve a meringue with a light and crunchy texture.

9. Cooling the Cake
After the cake is baked, turn off the oven and leave the tray inside until it cools completely. This step will help the cake stabilize and retain its shape.

10. Serving
Once the cake has cooled, you can cut it into squares and serve it. It’s fantastic alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture.
- You can experiment with flavors; for example, instead of rum essence, use almond essence for a distinct taste.
- If you want a bit of contrast, add some dark chocolate pieces to the batter.
- The cake can be stored well in an airtight container, but it is best consumed in the first few days after preparation.
- Serve the cake with a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable culinary experience!

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace walnuts with another type of nut?
Yes, you can use roasted almonds or hazelnuts, each bringing a unique flavor.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 30% without affecting the texture.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour.

This Chinese Walnut Cake is not only a delight but also a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to bring a smile to your dear ones, it’s a dessert that never disappoints! Enjoy!