Walnut cake with chocolate cream

Delicious Walnut and Chocolate Cream Cake Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

I present to you a cake recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. This walnut and chocolate cream cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests or treat your family to a homemade dessert.

What is fascinating about this recipe is the combination of the moist, rich walnut and cocoa base, and the airy cream that melts in your mouth. The history of cakes like this is intriguing, blending old baking traditions with modern innovations, making them a symbol of conviviality and joy.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the walnut base:
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 5 tablespoons of sparkling water
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 5 tablespoons of white flour, freshly sifted

For the chocolate cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 400 g heavy cream (or any liquid cream with a high-fat content)

For decoration:
- 50 g white chocolate
- 50 g dark chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. This step is crucial for ensuring even baking of the base.

2. Separate the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to have a clean bowl for the egg whites to achieve a perfect foam.

3. Whipping the egg whites: Place the egg whites in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and beat them with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This is the secret to a light and airy base!

4. Preparing the yolk mixture: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and rum essence using the mixer, until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes creamy. This will add a subtle flavor to your cake.

5. Incorporating the ingredients: Gradually add the baking powder and sparkling water into the yolk mixture while mixing slowly. Then, fold in the ground walnuts, cocoa powder, and flour, gently mixing with a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.

6. Adding the whipped egg whites: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture, mixing from the bottom up to maintain the aeration.

7. Baking the base: Line a round baking pan with parchment paper and pour the mixture into the pan. Bake the base for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling the base: Once baked, let the base cool on a wire rack. This step is important to avoid an undesired moist texture.

Preparing the cream

9. The yolk cream: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the powdered sugar over a water bath, stirring constantly until you obtain a firm cream. This will create a delicious base for your cream.

10. Adding cocoa and essence: Once the cream has cooled, add the cocoa powder and rum essence, mixing well.

11. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. This step is essential for achieving a light and airy cream.

12. Incorporating the yolk cream: Add the yolk cream to the whipped cream, one spoonful at a time, gently mixing after each addition to maintain the airy texture.

Assembling the cake

13. Assembling the cake: Once the base has completely cooled, spread the cream evenly over the walnut base.

14. Decorating: Grate the white and dark chocolate over the cream, adding a touch of elegance and a contrast of flavors.

15. Final chilling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving

The cake is served cold, cut into generous portions. It is perfect alongside a cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant tea. You can add a spoonful of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful Tips

- Trick for the perfect base: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps with better integration.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients to the base, such as chocolate chips or dried fruits, to give it a personalized touch.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of nut? Yes, you can also use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the cream lighter? Replace part of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie option.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs and nuts, which are rich in healthy fats. Additionally, cocoa contains important antioxidants for heart health. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar and fat content in the cream.

Conclusion

I hope this walnut and chocolate cream cake recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and at your table! It is a dessert that will bring smiles and pleasant memories, so don’t hesitate to share it with your loved ones. Enjoy!