Nut cake with whipped cream, chocolate, and berries, flourless

Decadent Hazelnut Cake with Whipped Cream, Chocolate, and Berries - Flourless

Welcome to our kitchen, where we will explore a delicious hazelnut cake recipe that will delight the taste buds of any sweet lover! This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you are celebrating a birthday, a special event, or simply want to indulge in something sweet. Flourless, this cake is ideal for those looking to avoid gluten without compromising on flavor. Get ready to be carried away by the rich aromas of chocolate and hazelnuts, enhanced by a fresh note of berries!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 130 g ground hazelnuts (choose fresh hazelnuts for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g sugar
- 50 ml water
- 4 eggs (make sure they are at room temperature)
- 1.5 - 2 tablespoons of cocoa (use high-quality cocoa for a deep flavor)
- 1/2 vanilla essence

For decoration:
- 300 ml whipped cream (you can use natural or store-bought whipped cream)
- 100 g grated chocolate (choose dark chocolate for a delicious contrast)
- 200 g berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, according to preference)

The story behind the recipe:
This hazelnut cake recipe is inspired by the most refined pastry traditions. Hazelnuts have been appreciated throughout history not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits. This cake not only looks spectacular but is also a healthier choice due to its natural ingredients. Replacing flour with ground hazelnuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds protein and healthy fats.

Step by step - Your guide to a perfect cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by taking the eggs out of the fridge and letting them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving an airy meringue.

2. Creating the hazelnut mixture:
In a saucepan, combine the ground hazelnuts, sugar, and water. Place the saucepan over a double boiler, ensuring it does not touch the water. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Once you have a smooth mixture, let it cool slightly.

3. Adding the eggs:
After the hazelnut mixture has cooled, add the egg yolks, vanilla essence, and cocoa. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.

4. Preparing the meringue:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt (optionally, you can add a tablespoon of sugar from the total amount) until they form stiff peaks. This step will ensure an airy texture for your cake.

5. Incorporating the meringue:
Gently fold the meringue into the hazelnut mixture with a spatula, mixing from the bottom up. This will prevent the loss of air from the meringue, which is essential for a fluffy texture.

6. Baking:
Pour the mixture into a 22 cm diameter cake pan lined with parchment paper. Level the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C for about 60 minutes. Check the cake with a cake tester; it should come out clean.

7. Cooling:
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a plate. Let it cool completely before adding the decoration.

8. Decorating:
Whip the cream until firm. Cover the cake with a generous layer of whipped cream, then sprinkle the grated chocolate on top. Add the berries for a vibrant look and fresh flavor.

Serving suggestions:
This hazelnut cake is perfect alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, for a touch of elegance, you can serve it with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the hazelnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor or add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an exotic aroma. You can also use white or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Hazelnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, such as vitamin E, which helps maintain skin health. Additionally, this cake is low in simple carbohydrates, making it a better choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as pecans or almonds. Just make sure to grind them well to achieve the desired texture.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later!

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or another egg substitute, but the texture and flavor will be different.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to prepare this hazelnut cake with whipped cream, chocolate, and berries! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious dessert, and don't forget to share your impressions! Enjoy!