Quick Cake

Quick Flourless Cake - A Delight Easy to Prepare

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love a delicious and quick dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste? Today I propose a flourless cake recipe, perfect for those moments when you want to prepare something special but don't have time or don't want to complicate things. This quick cake with cream cheese has a slightly moist texture and an intense flavor, thanks to the nuts and coffee. It is ideal to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but it can also be the star of a festive meal!

Recipe History

Flourless cake recipes have gained popularity in recent decades, being an excellent choice for those who want to avoid gluten or simply reduce flour usage in their diets. This type of dessert allows the ingredients to shine, offering a combination of extraordinary flavors and a surprisingly rich texture.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of ground nuts (coconut can also be used for an exotic variant)

*For the cream:*
- 4 tablespoons of cheese (choose a creamy cheese like mascarpone or ricotta)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon of Nesquik (or instant coffee if you prefer a stronger taste)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 ml of liquid cream (make sure it is very cold for better whipping)
- Grated chocolate for decoration

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will help the cake bake evenly.

2. Prepare the pan: Grease a cake pan (about 20 cm in diameter) with butter or line it with baking paper. Make sure the pan is well prepared to avoid sticking.

3. Prepare the base:
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until you get a firm foam.
- Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until you obtain a shiny meringue that forms stiff peaks.
- Carefully fold in the egg yolks, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.
- Add the ground nuts and gently mix with a spatula, using up-and-down movements.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level it with a spatula.

4. Bake the base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it's done - it should come out clean.

5. Prepare the cream:
- In a bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, vanilla essence, and Nesquik. Mix well until you obtain a smooth cream without lumps.
- Wait for the base to cool and then spread the cream evenly over it.

6. Prepare the glaze:
- Whip the cream until it becomes firm. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy and airy glaze.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cream cheese.
- Decorate with grated chocolate for an elegant look and a touch of flavor.

7. Cooling and serving: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

Practical Tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation for a uniform texture.
- If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can replace Nesquik with instant coffee. Also, a dark chocolate variant can add a pleasant contrast.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to add a personalized touch to the cake.

Nutritional Benefits

This quick flourless cake is high in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the nuts provide healthy fats. Additionally, it is a lighter option compared to a classic flour cake, making it ideal for those who want to reduce gluten in their diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute the cheese? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative to make the recipe lighter or suitable for special diets.
- How long does the cake keep? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream, and the whipped glaze can be optional.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant fruit tea. You can also add some fresh seasonal fruits on top for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Possible Variations

1. Fruit Cake: Add berry puree to the cream cheese for a fruity flavor.
2. Chocolate Cake: Replace some of the nuts with cocoa for a decadent chocolate cake.
3. Lemon Cake: Add lemon zest to the cream cheese for a refreshing note.

In conclusion, this quick flourless cake is an excellent choice for any occasion. It is simple to make, and the final result will surely impress your guests. Enjoy every slice and don't forget to experiment with the ingredients to adapt it to your tastes!