Nut cream cake

Nut Cream Cake - A Fine Delicacy for Special Moments

When it comes to desserts that blend delicacy with rich flavors, nut cream cake proves to be an excellent choice. This cake features a fluffy, moist base and a decadent cream with nuts and rum, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. The history of this cake evokes family moments, where desserts were a symbol of joy and conviviality.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 8 tablespoons of flour

For the cream:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup ground nuts
- 1 rum essence
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 50 g plain chocolate (grated)
- 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk

For soaking:
- Lemon syrup (can be made from water and sugar with lemon juice)

Step by Step - Making the Cake

1. Preparing the Base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 8 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a stiff, glossy foam.
- Gradually add the yolks, oil, milk, baking powder, vanilla essence, and grated lemon zest. Mix well.
- Carefully fold in the 8 tablespoons of flour using a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture. The batter should be smooth yet fluffy.

2. Baking the Base:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Pour the batter into the tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the base turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the base cool before cutting it in half horizontally.

3. Preparing the Cream:
- In another bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add the ground nuts, rum essence, cocoa, grated chocolate, lemon juice, and milk. Mix well until you achieve a smooth cream.
- Cut the cooled base in half. Place the first layer on a platter and lightly soak it with the lemon syrup.

4. Assembling the Cake:
- Spread the cream evenly over the soaked base, ensuring it reaches the corners.
- Place the second layer of the base on top, pressing gently to secure it.
- Crumble the remaining base and sprinkle the crumbs over the cake, along with coconut and grated chocolate.

5. Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the cream to set and the flavors to develop.
- When ready to serve, cut the cake into diamonds or squares. This shape is not only aesthetic but also easy to serve.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the cream.
- Fresh Nuts: Use fresh nuts, ground just before use, to benefit from their flavor and texture.
- Even Soaking: Don’t overdo the syrup, as the base shouldn’t be too wet, just enough to give it a delicate taste.
- A Delicious Variation: You can replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Delicious Pairings

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce would complement the dessert excellently, adding a touch of indulgence.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this cake contains approximately 300 calories, with a high content of healthy fats due to the nuts. These are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, providing health benefits such as improved heart health and cognitive function.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the cake?
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It may even taste better the next day!

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
- Yes! Replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

This nut cream cake is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. I invite you to try it and share the flavorful moments it offers with your loved ones!