Walnut and Chocolate Cake

Nut and Chocolate Cake - A Traditional Delicacy with an Unforgettable Aroma

The nut and chocolate cake is a classic recipe, loved by all, symbolizing holidays and family moments. Whether served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that reminds us of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. This recipe will guide you step by step in making a fluffy cake with a delicious filling of nuts and chocolate, perfect for bringing a smile to everyone's face.

Preparation Time: 30 min
Rising Time: 2 hours + 15 min
Baking Time: 40-50 min
Total: 3 hours
Number of Servings: 2 cakes

Ingredients

For the dough (for 2 cakes):
- 1 kg of finely sifted flour
- 4 large eggs
- 50 g of fresh yeast
- 250 ml of warm milk
- 2 cups of oil (approximately 500 ml)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

For the filling:
- 200 g of chocolate (preferably high cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 250 g of ground walnuts

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour to eliminate any lumps and give it a fine texture. Make a well in the center of the flour, add a pinch of salt and the 4 eggs.

2. Activating the yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the warm milk and sugar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure proper fermentation.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the yeast has fermented, pour the mixture over the flour in the center of the well. Begin mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, gradually adding the oil. This will give the cake a soft and fluffy texture.

4. Flavoring the dough:
Add the rum essence and lemon zest, which will bring a fresh note and wonderful aroma to the dough. Continue kneading the dough until it becomes elastic and starts to form air bubbles. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

5. First rising:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, until it doubles in volume. It is essential that the dough is kept away from drafts, so a good option is to place it in a preheated oven at 30 degrees Celsius.

6. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave. Add the ground walnuts and mix well. Ensure that the filling is not too runny, so it doesn’t spill out of the cake.

7. Forming the cake:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. Take each part and roll it out by hand or with a rolling pin, forming a rectangle. Add the chocolate and walnut filling on each rectangle, leaving a 2-3 cm margin.

8. Rolling and braiding:
Roll each rectangle tightly, then braid the two resulting rolls. This braiding will not only add an attractive look to the cake but will also help distribute the filling evenly.

9. Second rising:
Place the cake in baking molds and let it rise for another 15 minutes for an even greater volume.

10. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the cakes with egg yolk to give them a golden and shiny crust. Bake the cakes for 40-50 minutes or until they are golden and sound hollow when tapped lightly.

11. Cooling and serving:
Once the cakes are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a rack. It is important not to cut them immediately, as they may crumble. Let them cool completely.

Practical Tips

- Flour: For a fluffy cake, use flour type 650 or 000, which contains a medium gluten content.
- Yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh. If using dry yeast, use about 20 g.
- Oil: Sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- Filling: You can experiment with alternative fillings, such as cocoa, raisins, or even marzipan, to add a personal touch.

Nutritional Benefits

The nut and chocolate cake, although a dessert, contains beneficial ingredients. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, and dark chocolate is known for its antioxidants. Additionally, the cake is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, but it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake stores well in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! Almonds or hazelnuts are excellent alternatives, bringing a different taste and distinct texture.

3. What can I do with leftover cake?
Leftovers can be transformed into cake pudding or toasted with a bit of butter and served with jam or vanilla sauce.

Serving

The nut and chocolate cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Serve it alongside a caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream for a complete culinary experience. Also, don’t forget to share the cake with loved ones, to bring joy and warmth in every bite.

With this recipe, you will create not just a dessert but a pleasant memory, full of flavor and tradition. Enjoy every step of the process and savor the result!