Cake with Ness

Ness and Praline Walnut Cake: A Sweet and Aromatic Indulgence

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Introduction

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I will take you on a culinary journey that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the crunchy texture of praline walnuts. The Ness and praline walnut cake is not just a dessert, but a true sensory experience, perfect to accompany a fragrant coffee on weekend evenings or to impress guests on a special occasion. This recipe, with deep roots in the tradition of homemade sweets, stands out for its simplicity and exquisite taste. Let's get started!

Ingredient List

For the praline walnuts:
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g whole walnuts

For the Ness cake base:
- 4 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 8 tablespoons cold water
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 g flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- Juice from 1/2 lemon

For the Ness cream:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 350 g sugar
- 100 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons Ness
- 1 egg
- 100 g ground praline walnuts

Step 1: Preparing the praline walnuts

Start by preparing the praline walnuts. In a pan, add the sugar and let it cook over medium heat. It is important not to stir constantly, but to tilt the pan occasionally to help the sugar melt evenly. Once the sugar has turned liquid and has taken on a golden color, add the whole walnuts. Quickly stir to coat them evenly with caramel. After a few moments, remove the pan from heat and transfer the walnuts to a tray lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely. Once cooled, crush the praline walnuts in a mortar or with a pestle in a bowl. This step will add a delicious texture to the cake.

Step 2: Preparing the cake base

To make the base, start by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with 150 g of sugar for about 30 minutes, until the mixture becomes creamy and light yellow. Gradually add the 8 tablespoons of cold water, at intervals of 5 minutes, and the baking powder quenched with lemon juice.

Separately, in another bowl, beat the egg whites with 4 tablespoons of cold water until foamy. Add the remaining sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm foam. This will give the bases a light and fluffy texture.

Now, it is time to combine the two mixtures. In the egg white foam, add the sifted flour, ground walnuts, and cocoa, gently folding with a spatula or mixer to avoid losing air in the mixture. The final version should be homogeneous and light.

Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the base is baked; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Allow the base to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Preparing the Ness cream

In a saucepan, place the milk, flour, sugar, and egg. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Once cooled, gradually incorporate the softened butter and Ness, mixing well until the cream becomes smooth and homogeneous. Finally, add 100 g of ground praline walnuts and mix gently.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

After the base has cooled, cut it into two equal parts. On the first layer, spread half of the Ness cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the second layer on top and add the remaining Ness cream. For a spectacular finish, sprinkle 50 g of ground praline walnuts on top.

Serving and Suggestions

The Ness and praline walnut cake is delicious whether served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweet cream. For an even more enjoyable experience, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or aromatic tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Cocoa adds an extra boost of antioxidants, while Ness can provide an energy boost.

Calories

Each serving of the Ness and praline walnut cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and the ingredients used.

Possible Variations

To experiment with flavors, you can add a splash of rum or vanilla essence to the Ness cream. You can also substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on personal preferences. If you want a more intense cocoa flavor, add a little more cocoa to the base mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fruits instead of praline walnuts?
Absolutely! Dried fruits, such as raisins or apricots, can add a touch of freshness to the cake.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Although the recipe contains eggs and butter, you can experiment with vegan alternatives, such as chia eggs or plant-based butter.

I conclude with the hope that this Ness and praline walnut cake will bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Pralined nuts 100 grams sugar 100 grams nuts Cake base with coffee 4 eggs 8 tablespoons water 1 packet baking powder 150 grams flour 1 tablespoon cocoa 250 grams sugar 50 grams walnut kernels juice of 1/2 lemon Cream for coffee cake 200 grams butter 350 grams sugar 100 milliliters milk 2 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons coffee 1 egg