Nut-crusted cake

Nut Crust Cake

A cake that combines a fluffy base with a delicious nut crust, flavored with cinnamon and a splash of rum. This cake is not just a dessert, but a complete culinary experience, perfect for moments when you want to impress family or friends. Whether served at an anniversary, a gathering with loved ones, or simply to indulge ourselves, the nut crust cake will surely be the star of the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings
Estimated calories: 250 kcal/serving

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of Nesquik (for a subtle chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

*For the crust:*
- 240 g of walnut kernels, coarsely chopped
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 9 tablespoons of brown sugar (or granulated sugar, as preferred)
- 150 g of melted butter
- 3 tablespoons of rum essence
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Preparing the crust: In a bowl, combine the walnut kernels, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix well until you obtain a consistent mixture with a slightly grainy texture. This will be the perfect topping for your cake, bringing a crunchy note every time you bite into it.

2. Preparing the base: In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the milk and oil, mixing well to combine all the wet ingredients.

3. Combining the ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add it to the egg mixture. Gently mix to avoid losing air in the mixture. Now, to add a hint of chocolate, take 4 tablespoons from the base mixture and add them to a small bowl. Add Nesquik and mix until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the cake: Line a 35x26 cm baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil, lightly greasing it with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the white base mixture into the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, using a piping bag or a spoon, add the Nesquik mixture on top, drawing lines or shapes to create a pleasing visual effect.

5. Adding the crust: Evenly sprinkle the nut mixture over the base, making sure to cover the entire surface. Gently press down with your hand to secure the crust in the batter.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. Check if it is baked using the toothpick method – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

7. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the tray, then you can cut it into squares or diamonds. Serve it plain or dusted with sugar. Add a touch of elegance with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a contrast of textures!

Serving suggestions: It can be enjoyed alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a relaxing tea. The nut crust cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of sweet wine or a chocolate liqueur for an elegant evening.

Nutritional benefits: Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. This cake not only delights the taste buds but also provides essential nutrients to the body. The added cinnamon not only gives a pleasant aroma but also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Possible variations: You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Additionally, you can replace the rum essence with vanilla or orange essence for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use roasted nuts? Absolutely! Roasted nuts will add an even more intense flavor to the cake.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free? Substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or rice flour.
- Can I store the cake? Yes! It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavor intensifies as it sits.

This nut crust cake is not just a recipe, but a story of flavors and aromas that will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy every bite and share the joy with loved ones!