Snickers

During the holidays, when the atmosphere becomes magical and carols resonate, a decadent cake can transform any table into a memorable feast. Today, I will share with you the recipe for a delicious cake with chocolate, walnuts, and peanuts that will win the hearts of any caroler and bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. This cake is not just a dessert; it is a true declaration of love for chocolate and the natural goodness of nuts.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16

Ingredients:

Base:
- 8 egg whites
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 200 g white chocolate

Cream:
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 1 package (approx. 250 g) butter or margarine
- 8 egg yolks
- 300 g unsalted peanuts

Glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the pan and oven: Start by preparing a baking pan measuring 20x30 cm. Line the bottom with parchment paper to facilitate the removal of the cake. Then, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius so that it is well heated when you place the batter inside.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts. Whip the egg whites until frothy, and when they become creamy, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm meringue. A useful trick is to add a drop of rum essence, which will not only enhance the flavor but also help the egg whites whip better.

3. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the flour and walnut mixture into the egg white meringue using a spatula. Do this delicately to avoid losing the air in the mixture. Once the ingredients are well combined, pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface.

4. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the base for 20 minutes, or until it turns slightly golden and passes the toothpick test.

5. Preparing the white chocolate glaze: While the base is baking, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler, adding two tablespoons of milk and 30 g of butter. This will make the chocolate smoother and easier to spread. Once the base is ready, pour the melted white chocolate over it, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool.

6. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, caramelize the 12 tablespoons of sugar. Add the butter and mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. Once the sugar has melted, remove from heat.

7. Beating the egg yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with 6 tablespoons of sugar until they become light in color and creamy. Then, add the peanuts, which can be left whole or roughly chopped, depending on your preference.

8. The final combination: Pour the egg yolk mixture over the caramel in the saucepan and place everything over low heat. Stir constantly until the cream thickens well. It is essential that this cream is applied warm, as once it cools, it will become difficult to spread.

9. Assembling the cake: Once the cream is ready, spread it evenly over the cooled base that has been glazed with white chocolate. Allow the cake to cool completely.

10. Final glaze: In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and glaze the cake. Allow it to cool again, and ideally, serve the cake the next day when the flavors have intensified and settled perfectly.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or add hazelnuts to diversify the flavor.
- I recommend serving the cake with a warm fruit tea or a sweet wine, which will perfectly complement the rich taste of chocolate.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is rich in protein due to the egg whites and yolks and provides healthy fats from the nuts and peanuts. Although it is a delicacy, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but the taste will be sweeter.
- Can I replace peanuts with other nuts? Of course, pecans or pistachios are excellent options.
- How should I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to a week.

This chocolate, walnut, and peanut cake is not just a simple dessert recipe, but a culinary experience that will bring joy and warmth to your homes. Enjoy every slice and cherish the beautiful moments with your loved ones!