Walnut cake with chocolate and egg white foam

Walnut, chocolate, and egg white mousse cake - a dessert that combines rich flavors and airy texture, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. This recipe is not just a simple cake, but a story about comfort and joy, even in less happy moments. I will show you step by step how to create this delicacy that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. Prepare your ingredients and let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 150 g crushed walnuts
- 1 vial of vanilla essence

For the chocolate cream:
- 180 ml liquid cream
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa

For the syrup:
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- Water (enough to achieve a fluid consistency)
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the egg white mousse:
- 2 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons of sugar

For decoration:
- Cocoa (for sprinkling on top)

Step by step

1. Preparing the base
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that the bowls you work with are clean and free of grease to achieve a perfect meringue. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gradually add the 7 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.

In another bowl, beat the yolks with the 2 tablespoons of oil until creamy. Add the vanilla essence, then gently fold in the egg white mixture into the yolks, using a spatula to keep the air in the mixture.

Sifting the flour together with the baking powder is essential to avoid lumps. Add the sifted flour and crushed walnuts to the wet mixture and gently mix until combined. Pour the mixture into a baking pan (25/35 cm) lined with parchment paper.

2. Baking the base
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the base for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once the base is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Preparing the chocolate cream
In a saucepan over low heat, add the liquid cream, dark chocolate, and butter. Stir constantly until everything is combined and becomes a smooth, shiny cream. Let the cream cool slightly to thicken.

4. Preparing the syrup
In a small bowl, mix the honey with water and rum essence until you obtain a smooth syrup. This will help keep the cake moist.

5. Preparing the egg white mousse
In a bain-marie, beat the two egg whites with the 4 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a stiff foam. It is important not to expose it to direct heat for too long, otherwise it will cook.

6. Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, soak it well with the prepared syrup. Pour the chocolate cream over the base, smoothing it out with a spatula. On top, place the egg white mousse, sprinkling cocoa for an elegant look.

7. Serving
Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight to let the flavors meld. When you are ready to serve, cut generous pieces and get ready to enjoy every bite. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a fragrant tea. It can also be a wonderful dessert alongside vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures.

Useful tips
1. Ingredients: Use good quality chocolate, as its flavor will significantly influence the final taste of the cream. Substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds for a delicious variation.

2. Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the egg whites and in the cream.

3. Beverages: The cake pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine or a fruit aperitif, bringing a perfect balance between the sweetness of the cake and the acidity of the drink.

Nutritional information
This cake is rich in calories, averaging about 350 kcal per serving, due to the chocolate and nuts content. The nuts provide healthy fats and protein, while dark chocolate has antioxidant benefits. Of course, moderation is key to enjoying this delicacy without affecting your diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. What can I use instead of walnuts?
You can replace walnuts with other types of crushed nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, to achieve a different flavor.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. How can I improve the presentation of the cake?
You can add fresh fruits (such as raspberries or strawberries) on top of the egg white mousse for a vibrant look and a touch of freshness.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own sweet moments. Remember, cooking is an art form, and every recipe is an opportunity to express your creativity and share joy with those around you. Enjoy!