Rumba Cake

Rumba Cake: A Perfect Delight for Frosty Days

When the snow blankets the ground and the air turns chilly, nothing compares to a warm and delicious cake that envelops our senses. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a cake with an unmistakable flavor, filled with crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, and a fine cream of egg yolks. The Rumba Cake is a dessert that will surely bring warmth and joy to your table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12-16

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 10 egg whites (or more if you have leftover egg whites from other recipes)
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 350 g ground nuts
- 100 g raisins
- Rum essence (a few drops)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 wafers

For the egg yolk cream:
- 7 egg yolks
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil

Step by step: How to prepare Rumba Cake

1. Preparing the base:
Start by beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to achieve a stiff foam. This is an essential step to ensure an airy texture for the cake. When the foam becomes firm, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the egg whites become shiny and firm.

2. Including dry ingredients:
Add the rum essence, baking powder, and flour. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the dry ingredients so as not to lose the air from the egg whites. This is a moment where patience and delicacy matter!

3. Adding nuts and raisins:
Before adding the raisins to the mixture, make sure to soak them in warm water with rum essence. After draining them well, incorporate them into the batter along with the ground nuts and vanilla sugar. Mix gently, being careful not to affect the airy texture.

4. Baking the base:
Pour the obtained mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, greased with a little butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

5. Preparing the egg yolk cream:
While the base is baking, you can prepare the cream. Place a double-bottomed pot on the stove and add water, then put the egg yolks and powdered sugar. Stir continuously for 10 minutes until the yolks become pale and creamy.

6. Cooling and flavoring the cream:
After the cream has cooled, add the instant coffee and mix well. Then, incorporate the butter, mixing until everything becomes homogeneous. Let the cream cool for about two hours so that it thickens slightly.

7. Assembling the cake:
Place the first wafer on a platter, followed by half of the egg yolk cream. Add the egg white base, then the remaining cream, and finally the second wafer. Cover the cake with a weight and let it cool for a few hours, preferably overnight.

8. Preparing the glaze:
In a small pot, melt the chocolate together with the oil, stirring constantly until it becomes homogeneous. This will add a delicious and glossy layer to your cake.

9. Finalizing the cake:
After the glaze has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the assembled cake. Let it cool until the glaze hardens. When you are ready to serve, use a knife dipped in hot water to cut the cake into suitable portions.

Tips and tricks

- Ingredients: Use fresh nuts and quality raisins for a more intense flavor. If you want a more exotic version, you can also add almonds or hazelnuts.
- Flour: You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a more rustic taste, but make sure to adjust the liquid quantity.
- Serving: The Rumba Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or flavored coffee.
- Storage: If you want to keep the cake for a longer time, you can freeze it. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake, being rich in nuts, offers a good source of healthy fats and proteins. Each slice contains approximately 300 calories, but the nutritional benefits far outweigh the calories. Nuts contain antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can replace the nuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

What can I do with leftover egg whites?
Leftover egg whites can be used to make meringues, soufflés, or even omelets.

How can I customize the cream?
Add flavors like vanilla or orange to give it a distinct taste.

This cake will surely become a favorite in your family. Try making it and don't hesitate to share your impressions! Enjoy!