Walnuts roll

Nut-coated cake: a sweet delight for any occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20-24 pieces

If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert that will delight your taste buds and bring joy to your loved ones, the nut-coated cake is the perfect choice. This simple recipe, which I received from a talented neighbor, quickly became a favorite in my family. The soft base and rich cocoa syrup, all covered with ground nuts, combine to create an unparalleled delight.

Let's venture together into preparing this dessert, step by step, with useful tips and information about the ingredients, to ensure we achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 cups flour (you may add a tablespoon or two more or less)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

*For the syrup:*
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 and 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 cube of butter (approximately 100g)
- 1 essence of rum
- Ground nuts (for coating)

Preparation:

*Step 1: Preparing the base*

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have the oven well heated to achieve an evenly baked base.
2. In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs. Using a mixer, beat the eggs until frothy. This step is crucial, as the air incorporated into the mixture will make the base fluffy.
3. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves. This will add sweetness and contribute to the fine texture of the base.
4. The next step is to incorporate 1 cup of milk. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous composition. Here you can opt for whole milk for a richer taste or skim milk for a lighter version.
5. Add the 2 packets of vanilla sugar and the grated lemon zest. These ingredients will add a special and fresh aroma to your cake.
6. Finally, add the sifted flour in a rain and the baking powder. Mix gently until you obtain a composition similar to that of a cake, being careful not to overmix to avoid losing air from the base.

*Step 2: Baking the base*

1. Prepare a rectangular baking tray by greasing it with butter and lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cake from the tray.
2. Pour the composition into the tray and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it is done by doing the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the base is perfectly baked.
3. Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray.

*Step 3: Preparing the syrup*

1. In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, and 4 and 1/2 tablespoons of cocoa. Mix the ingredients well and place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Let the syrup boil for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly. It is important not to let it boil too much, as it will solidify when cooled.
3. Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and add the cube of butter and the essence of rum. Mix well with a whisk until the butter melts completely.

*Step 4: Assembling the cake*

1. After the base has cooled, cut it into equal-sized squares.
2. Each piece is dipped in the warm syrup, ensuring it is well soaked. This step will add moisture and flavor to your cake.
3. After dipping all the pieces in syrup, roll them in ground nuts (or coconut if you prefer a more exotic taste).
4. Place the cake on a platter and let it cool completely.

Serving suggestions:

The nut-coated cake is delicious served plain, but you can also add a spoonful of sour cream or whipped cream for a creamy contrast. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce will add extra refinement.

Nutritional information:

This cake is a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, while the nuts provide healthy fats and protein. However, it is important to consume in moderation, considering the amount of sugar. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Variations and tips:

1. You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to change the flavor of the cake.
2. Instead of cocoa, you can use melted chocolate for a more intense flavor.
3. For a fruity note, add some diced candied fruit to the cocoa syrup.

Frequently asked questions:

- *What can I do if I don’t have vanilla sugar?* You can use vanilla extract or omit it completely; the cake will still be just as delicious.
- *How can I store the cake?* You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
- *Can I replace the flour?* Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or even a gluten-free version, but the texture may be different.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! The nut-coated cake is not just a dessert but a family joy, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones. Bon appétit!