Piano Cake

Piano Cake - A Delicacy for the Soul and Taste Buds

The Piano Cake is a true masterpiece of desserts, combining fine textures and enticing flavors. This cake is perfect for bringing joy to the festive table or simply for indulging yourself on ordinary days. With a multi-layered structure, the Piano Cake blends a fluffy base, a delicious roll, and a fine cream, all covered with a glossy chocolate glaze. Let's start dreaming together of an unforgettable dessert!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the Piano Cake:

For the Base:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the Roll:
- 5 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 2 tablespoons of warm water
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the Base Cream:
- 40 g of starch
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- Vanilla essence
- 500 ml of milk
- 100 ml of liquid cream

For the Roll Cream:
- 150 g of butter
- 100 g of chocolate
- 6 tablespoons of ground walnuts

For the Glaze:
- 100 g of chocolate
- 20 g of butter
- 1 tablespoon of water

Tips for Ingredients:
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better foam.
- Use freshly ground walnuts to enhance the flavor.
- Choose high-quality chocolate for the glaze, as it will greatly influence the final taste of the cake.

A Bit of History:
The origins of elaborate cakes are ancient, and the Piano Cake draws inspiration from the tradition of creating rich and sophisticated desserts, ideal for special occasions. This recipe combines elements of classic pastry with a modern touch, offering a symphony of flavors and textures.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until foamy with a mixer, gradually adding the sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a glossy meringue.
- Add the yolks and gently fold in with a spatula.
- Incorporate the ground walnuts, cocoa, flour, and baking powder. Mix carefully to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 28 cm diameter baking pan lined with parchment paper, and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2. Preparing the Roll:
- In a bowl, mix the eggs with the powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the oil and warm water, mixing well.
- Incorporate the flour and baking powder. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking pan (30x20 cm) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3. Preparing the Base Cream:
- In a saucepan, mix the starch with a little milk. Heat the rest of the milk with the vanilla essence. When it starts to boil, add the starch mixture and stir continuously until thickened. Let it cool.
- Whip the cream until firm and fold it into the cooled cream.

4. Preparing the Roll Cream:
- Melt the chocolate with part of the butter in a bain-marie. Once melted, add the remaining butter and ground walnuts. Let it cool.

5. Assembling the Cake:
- Cut the base into two equal parts. The roll is cut into strips of 3 cm.
- Spread the chocolate and walnut cream over the roll strips, then tightly roll them up, forming a large spiral.
- Place the spiral on the first half of the base, followed by a layer of white cream, the roll, another layer of white cream, and finally, the second half of the base.

6. Preparing the Glaze:
- Melt the chocolate with butter and water in a bain-marie, stirring until you achieve a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.

7. Serving:
- Let the cake cool well before cutting it. It is delicious even the next day, when the flavors have blended even better.
- You can serve the Piano Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fruit sauce to add a pleasant contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of nut? Yes, you can experiment with almonds or ground hazelnuts.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the creams and glaze.
- Is it possible to make the cake a day in advance? Absolutely! It is even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
A serving of Piano Cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and fats used. Although it is a dessert, the nuts provide healthy fats, and dark chocolate has antioxidants that can be beneficial for health. Moderation is key!

In conclusion, the Piano Cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience. With each layer, you bring joy and refinement, making it perfect for any special occasion. Indulge yourself and let the flavors carry you away!