The "Petre Roman" cake is a delicacy wrapped in tradition, combining textures and flavors to create a memorable dessert. This unique recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. Whether you choose to prepare each layer separately or all at once, the result will always be delicious. I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, where you will discover the secrets of a refined yet accessible dessert.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base (3 layers):
- 9 egg whites
- 18 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of hot water
- 9 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 300 g of sugar for caramelizing
For the cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 500 ml of milk
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 250 g of butter
Step by step
1. Preparing the sponge layers
The first step in making this delicious cake begins with preparing the sponge layers. In a large bowl, beat the 9 egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding the 18 tablespoons of sugar and the 9 tablespoons of hot water. Continue beating until you achieve a firm and glossy foam – this is the perfect base for your layers.
Tip: Use a clean, grease-free bowl to beat the egg whites. Make sure there are no traces of yolk left, as the fat from it can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
2. Combining the ingredients
Carefully add the 9 tablespoons of ground walnuts, flour, and baking powder to the egg white mixture, gently folding with a spatula. This step is essential to maintain the air in the egg whites, which will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
3. Baking the layers
Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and pour each portion into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and passing the toothpick test.
Tip: If you want a uniform and nicely browned cake, rotate the tray halfway through the baking time.
4. Caramelizing the sugar
To achieve a crunchy texture, caramelize 300 g of sugar. Place the sugar in a pan over medium heat and let it melt until it turns golden. Drizzle each layer with caramelized sugar immediately after removing them from the oven. Wait 5 minutes, then use a spatula to spread the sugar, making it brittle.
5. Preparing the cream
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the 7 tablespoons of sugar, flour, and the 3 tablespoons of milk. Then, bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan. Once it reaches boiling point, pour the egg yolk mixture into the milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens.
Tip: You can add lemon zest or rum essence to the cream for extra flavor.
6. Assembling the cake
Place a caramelized layer on a platter, followed by a layer of cream. Continue with a non-caramelized layer, again cream, and then a final caramelized layer. On top, you can add a thin layer of cream and sprinkle ground walnuts for an elegant look and delicious flavor.
Helpful tips
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.
- Serving: It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of sweet wine or champagne.
Nutritional benefits
The "Petre Roman" cake contains proteins from egg whites and yolks, healthy fats from butter and nuts, as well as carbohydrates from sugar and flour. Consumed in moderation, you can enjoy a tasty dessert that provides energy.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use only egg whites or only yolks?
It is recommended to use both egg whites and yolks to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Can I substitute walnuts with another ingredient?
Of course! You can use ground almonds or pistachios, depending on your preferences.
- How can I improve the texture of the cream?
Make sure to stir constantly when adding the yolks to the milk to avoid lumps.
The "Petre Roman" cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that soothes the soul. So, allow yourself to indulge in a piece of this delicious cake, which combines tradition with innovation and will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base (3 layers):
- 9 egg whites
- 18 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of hot water
- 9 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 300 g of sugar for caramelizing
For the cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 500 ml of milk
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 250 g of butter
Step by step
1. Preparing the sponge layers
The first step in making this delicious cake begins with preparing the sponge layers. In a large bowl, beat the 9 egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding the 18 tablespoons of sugar and the 9 tablespoons of hot water. Continue beating until you achieve a firm and glossy foam – this is the perfect base for your layers.
Tip: Use a clean, grease-free bowl to beat the egg whites. Make sure there are no traces of yolk left, as the fat from it can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
2. Combining the ingredients
Carefully add the 9 tablespoons of ground walnuts, flour, and baking powder to the egg white mixture, gently folding with a spatula. This step is essential to maintain the air in the egg whites, which will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
3. Baking the layers
Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions and pour each portion into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and passing the toothpick test.
Tip: If you want a uniform and nicely browned cake, rotate the tray halfway through the baking time.
4. Caramelizing the sugar
To achieve a crunchy texture, caramelize 300 g of sugar. Place the sugar in a pan over medium heat and let it melt until it turns golden. Drizzle each layer with caramelized sugar immediately after removing them from the oven. Wait 5 minutes, then use a spatula to spread the sugar, making it brittle.
5. Preparing the cream
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the 7 tablespoons of sugar, flour, and the 3 tablespoons of milk. Then, bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan. Once it reaches boiling point, pour the egg yolk mixture into the milk, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens.
Tip: You can add lemon zest or rum essence to the cream for extra flavor.
6. Assembling the cake
Place a caramelized layer on a platter, followed by a layer of cream. Continue with a non-caramelized layer, again cream, and then a final caramelized layer. On top, you can add a thin layer of cream and sprinkle ground walnuts for an elegant look and delicious flavor.
Helpful tips
- Storing the cake: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.
- Serving: It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of sweet wine or champagne.
Nutritional benefits
The "Petre Roman" cake contains proteins from egg whites and yolks, healthy fats from butter and nuts, as well as carbohydrates from sugar and flour. Consumed in moderation, you can enjoy a tasty dessert that provides energy.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use only egg whites or only yolks?
It is recommended to use both egg whites and yolks to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Can I substitute walnuts with another ingredient?
Of course! You can use ground almonds or pistachios, depending on your preferences.
- How can I improve the texture of the cream?
Make sure to stir constantly when adding the yolks to the milk to avoid lumps.
The "Petre Roman" cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that soothes the soul. So, allow yourself to indulge in a piece of this delicious cake, which combines tradition with innovation and will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!