Sumegi Walnut Cake

Sumegi Walnut Cake – a fine and savory delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Who can resist a fine cake with a slightly moist texture and an intense walnut flavor? The Sumegi Walnut Cake is the perfect choice for a special occasion or simply to indulge in over the weekend. This cake is not only delicious but also satisfying, making you want to share it with your loved ones. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

A Brief History

The Sumegi Walnut Cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, based on simple and natural ingredients. The combination of walnuts and chocolate has always been highly appreciated, and this cake stands out for its delicate layers and rich cream. It is a dessert that has brought joy to many homes, and today I invite you to discover how to make it right at home.

Ingredients

*Base:*
- 4 egg whites
- 125 g sugar
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- a pinch of salt

*Cream:*
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 125 g sugar
- 25 g cocoa
- 125 g butter (82% fat)
- ½ bottle of vanilla essence
- a pinch of salt

*Glaze:*
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 3 tablespoons of liquid cream

*Decoration:*
- toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

Preparation

1. Preparing the base
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Choose a large baking tray, ideally the one from the stove, and line it with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar in 3-4 batches, continuing to mix. The egg whites should turn into a stiff and glossy meringue.
- In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the flour. This will give the cake an intense flavor and a pleasant texture. Gently fold the walnut and flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and smooth the surface. Bake for 25 minutes, until the base is firm and the edges start to brown. Make sure not to open the oven during baking to avoid the cake sinking.

2. Preparing the cream
- In a bowl, mix the whole egg, egg yolks, sugar, a pinch of salt, and sifted cocoa. This mixture will give the cake a rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Place the bowl over a double boiler and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and resembles a pudding. This step is essential for achieving a smooth cream.
- Once the cream is ready, remove it from the heat and add the softened butter and vanilla essence. Mix well to integrate the butter, thus providing a velvety texture.

3. Preparing the glaze
- In another bowl, place the broken chocolate pieces together with the liquid cream and butter. Use the same double boiler to melt the ingredients, stirring constantly until you obtain a smooth glaze.
- This glaze will perfectly complement the layers of base and cream.

4. Assembling the cake
- Let the base cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into three equal parts vertically.
- Place the first piece of base on a platter and spread half of the warm cream on top. Add the second base and repeat the process with the remaining cream.
- Cover with the third piece of base and pour the chocolate glaze on top. Decorate with coarsely chopped toasted walnuts for a rustic look and delicious flavor.
- Ideally, let the cake chill in the refrigerator overnight. However, if you can’t wait, wait at least 2 hours before cutting it.

Useful Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter for the cream, for easier integration.
- Use fresh walnuts, as they will add an extra flavor to the cake. You can roast the walnuts in the oven for 5-10 minutes to enhance their aroma.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar in the cream by 20-30%.

Delicious Pairings
The Sumegi Walnut Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic coffee or herbal tea. Also, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce would add a delicious contrast. If you want to experiment, try adding a splash of rum or brandy to the cream for a more sophisticated flavor.

Nutritional Information
Each serving of cake contains approximately 290 calories. This is a hearty cake, thanks to the nuts and butter, which provide healthy fats. Walnuts are rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, thus benefiting the heart and contributing to overall health.

Try this recipe for Sumegi Walnut Cake and turn every occasion into a special moment. Enjoy every bite and relish the delight you’ve created!