St. Basil's Cake

St. Basil's Cake - A Delicacy with a Festive Aroma

Who doesn't love a cake that delights all the senses? St. Basil's Cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, featuring a perfect blend of chocolate, nuts, and a subtle hint of rum. It's a dessert that brings family and friends together, making it ideal for festive meals. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect cake, rich in flavors and textures, that will leave everyone in awe.

Total preparation time: 3 hours (including cooling)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

*For the base:*
- 300 g Rama Maestro margarine
- 300 g sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons of cocoa
- 125 ml milk
- 5 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 heaping tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 250 g flour
- 1 vial of rum
- Zest of one citrus fruit (lemon or orange for a fresh aroma)

*For the cream:*
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 120 g dark chocolate
- 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 100 g soft butter

*For the syrup:*
- 100 ml boiled water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 vial of rum
- 50 ml brandy or whiskey (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)

A little story about St. Basil's Cake

St. Basil's Cake is a traditional dessert often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version, but the essence remains the same: a delicious combination of chocolate and nuts. Regardless of the occasion, this cake brings people together and creates sweet memories.

Preparing the base

1. Melting the ingredients: In a pot, add the margarine, milk, sugar, cocoa, and rum. Place the pot over low heat, stirring constantly until everything melts and combines. This is our rich and aromatic base. Let it cool slightly.

2. Separating the eggs: When the mixture has cooled, add the yolks and mix well. This step will add richness and moisture to the base.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and ground walnuts. Add this mixture to the pot, stirring until well combined.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base. Gently fold the egg whites into the base mixture, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into a cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and bake for 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the base is baked - it should come out clean.

6. Cooling: Let the base cool completely. Once cooled, cut it in half. These halves will be soaked with the delicious syrup.

Preparing the cream

1. Melting the chocolate: In a bowl, pour the liquid cream and place it over low heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted.

2. Adding the nuts and butter: Once the chocolate has melted, add the ground walnuts and soft butter. Mix well until everything is homogeneous. Let the cream cool for an hour.

Soaking the bases

In a small bowl, mix the boiled water with sugar and the flavors of rum and brandy. Using a pastry brush, soak each half of the base with this syrup. The syrup will add moisture and flavor, ensuring that the cake stays fresh and delicious.

Assembling the cake

1. The base layer: Place the first half of the base on a serving platter. Spread some of the cream evenly over the base.

2. Adding the second base: Place the other half of the base on top and cover with the remaining cream.

3. Decorating: Now comes the fun part! Decorate the cake as you wish. You can use whipped cream, grated chocolate, nuts, or even fresh fruits. Let your imagination run wild!

Resting the cake

Let the cake rest in the fridge for a few hours (ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and set. This step is essential for a truly delicious cake.

Serving suggestions

St. Basil's Cake is perfect served with a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of sweet wine. It can be an excellent choice for a family gathering or a special celebration. It is also a wonderful dessert accompanied by vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a stunning contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits

St. Basil's Cake is not only delicious but also a source of nutrients due to its ingredients. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, while dark chocolate is known for its heart-healthy properties. However, considering the ingredients, it's best to consume moderate portions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of oil instead of margarine?
Of course! You can use butter or another type of margarine, but make sure it is of good quality for the best results.

2. What can I do if I don't have liquid cream?
You can substitute the liquid cream with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, but the texture and taste will be different.

3. Is it possible to make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the alcohol from the recipe. The cake will still be delicious!

4. How long can the cake be kept?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it is best if consumed within the first 2-3 days.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put on your apron and get to work! St. Basil's Cake will surely become your and your loved ones' favorite. Cooking is an art, and every cake you create is a masterpiece. Enjoy the process and let your imagination soar!