Walnut and coffee cake

Walnut and Coffee Cake – a special recipe from my mother's cookbook that will bring a smile to anyone's face. This cake is perfect for enjoying on weekends, as well as for impressing your guests on a special occasion. With a fluffy base, a fragrant coffee cream, and a fine chocolate glaze, it is a combination of textures and flavors that will captivate you.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 8 egg whites
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour

For the cream:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup concentrated coffee (preferably instant)

For the glaze:
- 100 g cooking chocolate
- 50 g butter

The story behind the recipe:
The Walnut and Coffee Cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular choice for many families. This combination of ingredients reflects the simplicity and delicacy of old recipes, where each ingredient had a well-defined role in creating a memorable taste experience. Adding coffee to dessert recipes has become common due to its intense flavors, and walnuts provide a crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Let's start preparing this delicacy!

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) and line it with baking paper.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as they will not whip well.
3. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become firm and frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes shiny and firm. A useful trick is to use powdered sugar, as it dissolves more easily and creates a fine texture.
5. Gently incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Avoid over-mixing at this stage to maintain the air in the egg whites.
6. Sift the flour, baking powder, ground walnuts, and vanilla sugar into another bowl. Mix the dry ingredients well.
7. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg white and yolk mixture, folding gently with a spatula in an up-and-down motion. This will keep the air in the mixture, essential for a fluffy base.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the coffee cream
1. In a bowl, mix the butter at room temperature with the powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy texture. This is the ideal time to add any desired flavors; for coffee lovers, a drop of vanilla extract could enhance the taste.
2. Add the two egg yolks and mix until well incorporated. You will notice that the cream becomes softer and easier to spread.
3. Start adding the concentrated coffee while mixing constantly. Make sure the coffee is not too hot to avoid melting the butter. Instant coffee or a well-brewed espresso are ideal options.

Step 3: Preparing the glaze
1. To achieve a fine glaze, melt the cooking chocolate and butter together in a bain-marie. This technique will give you better control over the temperature, preventing the chocolate from burning.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny. If you want a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit of powdered sugar.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has completely cooled, spread the coffee cream evenly over the surface using a spatula.
2. Pour the chocolate glaze on top, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for a decorative effect.
3. You can decorate the cake with walnut pieces, chocolate flakes, or whipped cream, depending on your preferences. This will add extra texture and appearance.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of concentrated coffee?
Yes, you can use instant coffee or nes, being careful to prepare it in a smaller amount so that it is not too watery.
2. How can I keep the cake longer?
It is best to store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for a few days.
3. Can I replace walnuts with other types of nuts?
Of course! Almonds or pistachios can be an excellent choice and pair well with coffee flavors.

Nutritional values (per serving):
Calories: approximately 300 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fats: 15 g

This walnut and coffee cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea and savor every bite. Whether you are making this recipe for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, it will surely be a success! Enjoy your meal!