Rumba

Rumba - Delicious cake with tender layers and walnut cream

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

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today I present a recipe that combines flavors and textures in an absolutely irresistible way: Rumba - a cake with tender layers, filled with a rich walnut cream and glazed with a fine cocoa and coconut sauce. This recipe is not just a dessert, but an experience that brings joy to every meal. Let’s get started!

Necessary ingredients:

For the layers:
- 8 fresh eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- Grated zest of one lemon (or orange, according to preference)
- 1/2 packet baking powder dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For the cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g sugar
- 400 g ground walnuts
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 250 g butter (or margarine)

For the glaze:
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 30 g butter
- Grated coconut (for decoration)

Step by step to achieve the perfect result:

1. Preparing the layers:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important to ensure that the bowl and utensils used for the egg whites are perfectly clean and dry. This will help achieve a firm foam.
- Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a shiny and firm foam. This is an essential step for fluffy layers.
- Incorporate the yolks one by one, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the foam.
- Add the oil, lemon (or orange) zest, and vanilla sugar. Mix gently until well combined.
- Then, dissolve the baking powder in warm milk and add it to the mixture. Mixing with warm ingredients helps activate the leavening agent.
- Finally, incorporate the flour, sifted to avoid lumps. Gently mix with the spatula using up-and-down movements.
- Pour the mixture into a greased and parchment-lined baking tray. Bake at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

2. Preparing the cream:
- In a saucepan, mix the milk with the sugar and bring to a boil. Then, add the ground walnuts and rum essence. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cocoa and butter. Mix well until the butter is completely melted and the cream becomes smooth.

3. Assembling the cake:
- After the layers have cooled, cut them in half, resulting in 6 layers. Fill each layer with walnut cream, then stack them. You can use a spatula to spread the cream evenly.
- Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the cream.

4. Preparing the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the glaze: cocoa, powdered sugar, and butter. Add a little milk if necessary to achieve a fluid consistency. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then pour the glaze over the cake.
- Sprinkle grated coconut on top for an attractive appearance and an extra flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Rumba is served cold, cut into squares. It pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from walnuts and butter. Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, benefiting heart health.

Possible variations:
If you want to personalize the recipe, you can replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add a few pieces of chocolate to the cream for a more intense flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, but make sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the layers and cream, but make sure to maintain the balance of flavors.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free variant, but make sure to use a flour blend that contains binding agents.

In conclusion, this Rumba recipe is not just a delicious dessert, but also an opportunity to enjoy special moments with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, your cake will surely be appreciated. I wish you much success and joy in the kitchen!