Nut Cake

Walnut Cake with Cocoa Glaze

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines sweetness with the rich flavor of walnuts and a decadent cocoa glaze? This walnut cake recipe with cocoa glaze is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. It’s simple, quick, and the final result is a delight that will impress everyone. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the base:
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 200 g sugar
- 6 egg whites
- 150 g flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 200 g ground walnuts
- Juice and grated zest of one lemon

For cream 1:
- 6 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar

For cream 2:
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g powdered vanilla sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- A splash of rum essence
- Grated chocolate for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s essential to have the oven well-heated to ensure even baking of the cake.
2. In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy foam. This is a crucial step, as the air incorporated into this mixture will make the cake fluffier.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. It’s important to ensure that the bowl and utensils are completely clean to achieve perfect foam.
4. Gently add the egg whites to the butter mixture, using a spatula and folding in from the bottom up. This step helps to maintain the air in the egg whites, which will make the cake airy.
5. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and add them to the mixture. Also incorporate the ground walnuts, mixing gently.
6. Finally, add the juice and grated zest of the lemon. This ingredient will provide a fresh taste and balance the sweetness of the cake.
7. Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Prepare cream 1
1. While the base is baking, you can prepare cream 1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light and fluffy cream.
2. When the base is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the egg yolk cream on top. Return the cake to the oven, leaving it on residual heat for another 10 minutes. This will create a fine and delicious crust.

Step 3: Prepare cream 2
1. Once the cake has completely cooled, you can move on to cream 2. In a bowl, mix the butter with the powdered vanilla sugar until creamy.
2. Add the ground walnuts, cocoa, and rum essence, mixing well to combine all ingredients. This cream will add a rich and delicious layer of flavor.
3. Spread the cocoa cream evenly over the cooled cake. For an elegant look, you can sprinkle grated chocolate and a dusting of cocoa on top.

Chef's tip
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the batter or replace some of the ground walnuts with roasted hazelnuts. This will bring an interesting texture and taste to your cake.

Recipe history
This walnut cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with festive occasions and holidays where walnuts are the stars. Walnuts, known for their nutritional benefits, have been used over time in various sweet and savory dishes. Their combination with chocolate and lemon has become a classic, bringing a perfect balance between sweet and sour.

Nutritional benefits
Walnuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, being rich in Omega-3. They also contain antioxidants and essential vitamins that contribute to heart health. Additionally, this dessert is a healthier option compared to other cakes, thanks to the natural ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and replacing the eggs with an appropriate substitute (e.g., applesauce or flaxseeds).

Serving suggestions
This walnut cake with cocoa glaze pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Whether it’s a special occasion or simply an afternoon spent with family, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Bon appétit!