Chinese Cake
Chinese Cake: A Delicacy with Hints of Cocoa and Nuts
Total preparation time: 50 minutes (20 minutes preparation, 30 minutes baking)
Number of servings: 12
Welcome to the fascinating world of traditional cakes! Today, I present to you a special recipe, full of unique flavors and textures, which is part of a beloved culinary tradition. The Chinese Cake combines the creamy sweetness of butter with the intensity of cocoa and the crunch of nuts, resulting in a dessert that will delight any sweet lover. Get ready to cheer up your friends and family with this delicacy!
Ingredients
For the base:
- 5 egg whites
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 200 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 40 g cocoa
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
For the glaze:
- 5 egg yolks
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 50 g grated chocolate (for decoration)
Useful tools
- Baking pan: 20 x 30 cm
- Baking paper
- Mixer
- Silicone spatula
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use. This will make mixing easier and contribute to a finer texture of the cake.
2. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer to combine these ingredients until you get a fluffy and homogeneous cream. It's important to mix well to incorporate air, which will make the cake fluffier.
3. Add the rum essence to give the cake a subtle fragrance. The ground walnuts come next; add them gradually and mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sifting these ingredients will ensure an even distribution in the mixture, avoiding unwanted lumps.
5. Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture using a silicone spatula, making gentle bottom-up movements. It's important to be delicate in this step to maintain the air in the egg whites.
Step 2: Preparing the Egg Whites
1. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a stiff foam. This step is essential for giving volume to the cake. Ensure the bowl is completely clean and free of grease; otherwise, the egg whites won't beat well.
2. Once the egg whites are beaten, gradually fold them into the butter mixture, continuing to mix carefully.
Step 3: Baking the Base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Line the baking pan with baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with the spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the base is firm to the touch.
Step 4: Preparing the Glaze
1. Meanwhile, let's take care of the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla essence until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy.
2. Once the base is ready, remove the pan from the oven and pour the glaze evenly over it. Use the spatula to level it.
3. Put the pan back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the glaze is slightly browned and firm.
Step 5: Cooling and Decorating
1. Once the cake is done, let it cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to combine and achieve a better texture.
2. After it has cooled, cut the cake into squares and sprinkle grated chocolate on top for an appetizing look.
Useful Tips
- The rum essence can be replaced with almond essence for a different flavor.
- If you want an even more decadent cake, you can add some chocolate pieces to the base mixture.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use ground almonds for a different texture.
Nutritional Values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
2. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A cup of black tea or a cappuccino will pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
3. How can I store the cake?
You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
A Personal Note
This cake was a part of my childhood, prepared by my mother on festive days. Each piece reminds me of the warm moments spent around the table, sharing stories and laughter. I encourage you to prepare it with your loved ones, turning each slice into a delicious memory.
Enjoy this amazing recipe and don't hesitate to explore different variations! Every experiment can bring a new story, and every meal can become a celebration of taste and friendship. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Base: 5 egg whites, 150 g sugar, 200 g butter, 250 g ground walnuts, 40 g cocoa, 100 g flour, 1 baking powder, rum essence. Glaze: 5 egg yolks, 150 g sugar, vanilla essence, chocolate for sprinkling on top.
