The black woman with walnut

Nut Cake – A Fluffy and Aromatic Delicacy

Who doesn’t remember the decadent aroma of melted chocolate mingling with crunchy nuts? Nut cake is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that has won the hearts of many. This recipe combines dark chocolate with nuts and almonds, creating a rich flavor and a soft texture, perfect for serving on special occasions or as a little daily pleasure.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed for Nut Cake:

- 150 g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa is ideal)
- 125 g butter (preferably high-fat for better texture)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an even more aromatic flavor)
- 100 g flour
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 100 g walnut kernels (preferably lightly roasted to enhance flavor)
- 50 g finely chopped almonds
- A pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Candied fruits (optional, for decoration)

The History of Nut Cake

Nut cake is a classic dessert with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This cake has evolved over time, becoming a popular choice due to its versatility. It can be adapted with various ingredients, but chocolate and nuts remain the basic combination that gives it a unique charm.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the chocolate: Start by breaking the dark chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Place the chocolate pieces in a heat-resistant bowl over steam. Make sure the water in the pot does not touch the bowl with chocolate. Add the cubed butter gradually, stirring constantly until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture.

2. Beating the eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar and vanilla sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and triples in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the bowl with the eggs, carefully stirring to avoid losing the incorporated air. Incorporate a pinch of salt, then gradually add the flour mixed with the yeast. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Adding the nuts and almonds: Finally, add the walnut kernels and finely chopped almonds. These will not only bring extra flavor but also a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the fluffiness of the cake.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour, then pour the mixture into the tray. Make sure it is evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can decorate the nut cake with finely chopped candied fruits or crushed pistachios for a special look.

Practical tips

- Chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate with a high cocoa content for a more intense flavor. If you want to experiment, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but the result will differ in texture and sweetness.

- Nuts: You can replace walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios, depending on your preferences. You can also add a teaspoon of almond extract for extra flavor.

- Serving: Nut cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream. A cup of coffee or aromatic tea will complement this dessert perfectly.

Nutritional benefits

Nut cake is a good source of energy due to its chocolate and nut content, providing healthy fats and antioxidants. Nuts contribute to heart health and maintaining healthy skin due to omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, dark chocolate has antioxidant properties, being beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the eggs in the recipe?
Yes, you can use flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water as a substitute for eggs. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

2. What can I do with leftover cake?
The cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can cut it into squares and serve it as a snack or dessert.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, with a few modifications. Use vegan chocolate, coconut butter or other vegan alternatives and replace the eggs as mentioned above.

4. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, but you will also need to adjust the liquid amounts in the recipe.

This nut cake recipe is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or prepare it for a special occasion, you will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Share this recipe with your friends and enjoy every moment!