Cake with caramelized nuts

Caramelized Hazelnut Cake – A Sweet and Crunchy Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Who doesn't love a decadent cake filled with delicious flavors and contrasting textures? The caramelized hazelnut cake is a perfect choice for any special occasion or even for an unforgettable afternoon with loved ones. This sophisticated dessert combines a soft base with the rich flavors of hazelnuts and the creaminess of a fine cream, all covered with a crunchy layer of caramelized hazelnuts. Let's discover together the steps to create this sweet wonder!

The Story of the Caramelized Hazelnut Cake

Hazelnut cakes have a long history, often associated with moments of celebration and joy. Hazelnuts, known for their crunchy texture and intense flavor, have been used for centuries in various sweet dishes. Combined with a rich cream and a moist base, this cake becomes a true feast for the senses. And caramelizing the hazelnuts amplifies the sweetness and provides a pleasant contrast with the fine cream.

Ingredients

For the Base
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons ground hazelnuts
- 3 tablespoons flour

For the Filling
- 70 g ladyfingers
- 70 g raisins
- rum essence (to taste)

For the Cream
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons ground hazelnuts
- 100 ml milk
- 70 g white chocolate
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)

For Decoration
- 100 g hazelnuts
- 5 tablespoons sugar

Steps for Preparation

1. Preparing the Base
We start by preheating the oven to 170°C. In a large bowl, we beat the egg whites until they become a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes shiny and firm. Now, we add the egg yolks one by one, mixing constantly.

Finally, we fold in the ground hazelnuts and flour, using a spatula to achieve an airy composition. We heat a 22 cm round cake pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour, and pour in the mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the base passes the toothpick test. Once baked, let the base cool completely.

2. Hydrating the Raisins
Meanwhile, we place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with warm water and rum essence. We let them hydrate for 15-20 minutes, which will make them fluffier and more flavorful.

3. Preparing the Cream
In a saucepan, we mix the milk with the eggs, sugar, and flour, ensuring no lumps form. Stir constantly until boiling. When the cream begins to boil, we add the ground hazelnuts and the white chocolate broken into small pieces, stirring until the cream thickens. We cover it with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.

4. Assembling the Cake
After the base has cooled, we cut it into two equal halves. The butter should be soft but not melted. We mix the butter until creamy, then gradually add a tablespoon of the cooked cream. We reserve 2 tablespoons of cream for decoration.

We divide the remaining cream into two equal parts. On the first half of the base, we spread half of the cream, then sprinkle half of the raisins. We place the ladyfingers, which we soak in the liquid in which we hydrated the raisins. On top, we sprinkle the remaining raisins and cover with the rest of the cream. Finally, we place the second half of the base.

5. Decorating the Cake
To make the caramelized hazelnuts, we put the sugar in a pan and let it caramelize. Once the sugar turns golden, we add the hazelnuts and stir to coat them evenly with caramel. We pour the caramelized hazelnuts onto a plate greased with a little oil and let them cool. Once cooled, we gently crush them with a meat mallet.

A peach jam pairs perfectly with the caramelized hazelnuts, so we spread a thin layer on top of the cake, then sprinkle the crushed hazelnuts.

Serving Suggestions
The caramelized hazelnut cake is served cold, cut into generous slices. Offer it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast. Additionally, a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and butter, while the hazelnuts provide a good dose of healthy fats and antioxidants. The almond flour and white chocolate add a flavor note, but also calories. In total, a serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of nuts?
Of course! You can replace hazelnuts with walnuts, pistachios, or even almonds. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor to the cake.

How do I keep the cake fresh?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, well covered to prevent drying out.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free alternative, ensuring that all ingredients used are safe for your diet.

Possible Variations
If you want to add an exotic note, try adding a few drops of orange essential oil to the chocolate cream. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate – dark chocolate will provide an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized hazelnuts.

This caramelized hazelnut cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its unique flavor! Enjoy every bite and don't hesitate to share this delight with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Hazelnut Cake: 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons ground hazelnuts, 3 tablespoons flour, ladyfingers, 70g raisins, rum essence. Cream: 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons ground hazelnuts, 100ml milk, 70g white chocolate, 250g butter. Decoration: 100g hazelnuts, 5 tablespoons sugar.

 Tags:  hazelnut cake