Walnut and Coffee Cake

Nut and Coffee Cake - A Delicacy for Special Moments

This nut and coffee cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a declaration of love and appreciation, created especially to celebrate my parents' birthdays. The combination of crunchy nuts and aromatic coffee was carefully chosen, knowing it would bring smiles to their faces. And for a touch of elegance, I decorated the cake with sunflower flowers, a passion of my father's. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicious cake that will turn any occasion into a celebration.

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Number of Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 4 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons of water
- ½ packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the Cream:
- 250 g of unsalted butter (85% fat)
- 125 g of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cocoa
- 2 teaspoons of instant coffee dissolved in a teaspoon of warm water (left to cool)
- 2 teaspoons of cappuccino
- 2 essences of rum (preferably Dr. Oetker)

For the Syrup:
- 100 ml of weak coffee, sweetened to taste

For the Glaze:
- 100 g of dark chocolate
- 50 g of butter
- Ground walnuts for decoration

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and prepare a round cake pan with a diameter of 26 cm, lined with baking paper.

2. Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Use a mixer on high speed and beat until you achieve a firm foam.

3. Add the sugar: Continue mixing and gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture becomes shiny and firm.

4. Incorporate the yolks and water: Add the yolks one by one, followed by the water, ensuring to mix well after each addition.

5. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the cocoa and baking powder. Sift this mixture over the egg mixture and fold it in with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.

6. Add the walnuts: Finally, fold in the ground walnuts using the same spatula.

7. Bake the base: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Beat the butter: In a bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely melted and the mixture becomes creamy.

2. Add the flavoring ingredients: Incorporate the cocoa, dissolved coffee, cappuccino, and rum essences. Mix again until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Cut the base: Once the base has cooled, cut it into three equal parts horizontally.

2. Soak the base: Use the sweetened weak coffee to soak each layer of the base. Don’t overdo it with the syrup, just enough to make it slightly moist.

3. Fill the cake: Spread a generous layer of cream on each layer of the base, ensuring even coverage.

4. Coat the cake: After adding the cream between layers, use the remaining cream to coat the entire cake. Ensure it is smooth and nicely leveled.

5. Decorate with walnuts: Sprinkle ground walnuts on top and around the edges of the cake, giving it a rustic and appetizing look.

Step 4: Preparing the Glaze

1. Melt the chocolate: In a heat-resistant bowl, combine the dark chocolate with 50 g of butter. Place the bowl over a double boiler, stirring continuously until it completely melts and becomes a smooth glaze.

2. Finish the cake: Pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to gently flow over the edges. You can use a spatula to distribute it evenly, and for an artistic look, let it form drips.

3. Cool: Let the cake cool at room temperature, then place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Helpful Tip

If you want to add a touch of personality to your cake, consider using different rum essences, such as vanilla or almond-flavored rum. You can also use roasted nuts for a more pronounced flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This nut and coffee cake is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Nuts contain protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while coffee provides an extra boost of antioxidants. Using quality butter adds a supply of fat-soluble vitamins, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream or using less sweet chocolate for the glaze can help achieve a more balanced cake.

3. Can I replace the coffee?
If you are not a fan of coffee, you can use milk or an herbal tea infusion to moisten the base.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a flavored tea. Additionally, for a touch of freshness, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! The nut and coffee cake will surely become the star of your celebrations. Each slice will bring not only flavor but also unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy!