Nut cake, flourless

Flourless Walnut Cake: a refined and easy-to-make delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 8

If you're looking for a cake recipe that impresses both in taste and appearance, this flourless walnut cake is the perfect choice. It's a simple yet sophisticated recipe that combines the intense flavor of walnuts with the delicacy of whipped cream and fresh fruits. Moreover, it contains no flour, making it an excellent option for those following a gluten-free diet.

The history of this type of cake is lost in time, with deep roots in diverse culinary traditions, where walnuts have been used as a main ingredient in rich and comforting desserts. This recipe will transport you to a world of delicious flavors and textures!

Ingredients

- 125 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar
- 50 ml water
- 4 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 1.5 - 2 tablespoons cocoa (high quality)
- 1 packet of vanilla (or vanilla extract)
- 200 g whipped cream (beaten)
- Fresh raspberries (for decoration)
- Cocoa (for decoration - optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for egg whites)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by measuring all the ingredients. Make sure the walnuts are fresh, as they will influence the final taste of the cake. You can use any type of walnuts - English walnuts, pecans, or even ground almonds for a slight variation.

2. Preparing the walnut mixture: In a double-bottomed pot, add the ground walnuts, sugar, and water. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Place the pot on the heat and work in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. This will create a delicious and moist base for the cake.

3. Cooling the mixture: Once the sugar has melted, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool. It is important not to add the yolks to the warm mixture, as they will coagulate.

4. Adding flavors: After the mixture has cooled, add the yolks, vanilla, and cocoa. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly integrated.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they form a foam. If desired, you can add a tablespoon of sugar from the total amount to stabilize the foam. Continue beating until you achieve stiff peaks.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the walnut mixture, mixing with gentle bottom-to-top movements. This step is essential to keep the air in the egg whites, which will make the cake fluffier.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Line a cake pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper covers the edges of the pan so that the cake can easily release after baking.

8. Baking the cake: Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake the cake at a low temperature, around 160°C, for about an hour. It is important to do the toothpick test; the cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean, without any batter.

9. Cooling the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before transferring it to a serving plate. This is an essential step to prevent the layers from breaking.

10. Final decorations: After the cake has cooled, cover it with whipped cream and decorate with fresh raspberries. You can sprinkle a little cocoa on top for an extra touch of elegance. This cake is perfect for serving on a special occasion or simply to indulge at the end of the day.

Useful tips

- For an even more intense flavor: You can add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the walnut mixture, which will enhance the flavor and add a note of complexity.
- Vegan option: Replace the eggs with a mixture of 100 g of applesauce or banana and 1 tablespoon of water for each egg.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a strong espresso, which will contrast perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Nutritional information

This flourless walnut cake contains approximately 300 calories per serving, providing a good source of healthy fats due to the walnuts. It is rich in protein and B vitamins, contributing to skin and hair health.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, depending on personal preferences.

How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It is recommended to add the whipped cream just before serving to maintain its consistency.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not contain meat or dairy products, except for the cream.

So, I encourage you to try this flourless walnut cake recipe. It is easy to make and will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Enjoy!