Steliana Cake
Walnut Cake with Hazelnut Cream – A Delight for Special Occasions
If you are looking for a cake recipe that will delight not only the taste buds but also the eyes of your loved ones, you have come to the right place! This walnut cake with hazelnut cream is perfect for celebrating your sister's name day or any other special occasion. With a rich flavor and a fine texture, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.
General Information:
- Preparation time: 45 minutes
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 12
Ingredients:
*For the base:*
- 5 fresh eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- a pinch of baking powder
- a pinch of salt
*For the hazelnut cream:*
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons (heaped) of flour
- 150 g quality butter
- a few ground hazelnuts
*For the syrup:*
- 350 ml water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of orange peel (from a jar)
- rum essence, to taste
*For decoration:*
- 200 ml liquid cream
- a little grated white chocolate
- daisy and decorative leaves made of wafers (Dr.Oetker)
- ground walnuts
Preparation:
1. Preparing the walnuts:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Spread the ground walnuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and sprinkle a little sugar. Bake the walnuts for 5-10 minutes, or until they become lightly golden and fragrant. This step will not only enhance the flavors but will also add a pleasant texture to the cake.
2. Preparing the base:
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until they become glossy and firm. Fold in the yolks, baking powder, ground walnuts, and flour. Gently mix with a spatula, ensuring no lumps form. Pour the mixture into a round cake pan lined with parchment paper, and bake for 35 minutes or until the cake passes the toothpick test.
3. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, bring the water with the sugar and orange peel to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and add the rum essence. This syrup will add moisture and flavor to the layers, making them delicious and savory.
4. Hazelnut cream:
Place the hazelnuts in a dry pan with a little salt and lightly toast them until golden, then let them cool. Peel and finely grind them in a coffee grinder. In a saucepan, heat the milk. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, flour, and ground hazelnuts. Slowly pour the warm milk into the mixture, thoroughly homogenizing. Put the mixture on the heat and cook, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once the cream is ready, add the butter and mix well until melted and homogenized. Let it cool.
5. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into two pieces, ensuring the bottom is thicker than the top. Soak each piece well with the prepared syrup. Whip the liquid cream until fluffy and silky. Spread the hazelnut cream on the base of the cake, sprinkle with toasted walnuts, and cover with the top of the cake. Coat the entire cake in cream, leveling it with a spatula.
6. Decorating:
For an attractive appearance, decorate with toasted walnuts, daisies, and wafer leaves, and finally, grate a little white chocolate on top. Allow the cake to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, to let the flavors combine perfectly.
Useful Tips:
- Use quality ingredients, especially for butter and chocolate. The taste of the cake will be greatly improved!
- Make sure the base is completely cool before cutting; otherwise, it may crumble.
- You can also add a layer of apricot or raspberry jam between the layers for a fruity note.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I substitute hazelnuts?
Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup, adding natural essences instead to maintain flavor.
3. Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! It is even recommended, as the flavors intensify.
Delicious Pairings:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, a glass of semi-dry white wine can add an elegant touch to a festive meal.
Nutritional Benefits:
Walnuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Hazelnuts are rich in vitamins E and B, beneficial for skin and nervous system health. Moreover, the cake is a healthier option compared to many other desserts, thanks to the natural ingredients used.
This walnut cake with hazelnut cream is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to savor beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the base we need: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of ground walnuts, a pinch of baking powder, a teaspoon of salt. For the hazelnut cream: 2 egg yolks, 300 ml of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar, 2 tablespoons (heaped) of flour, 150 g of butter, a few ground hazelnuts. For the syrup we need: 350 ml of water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of orange zest from a jar, rum essence to taste. For decoration we need: 200 ml of liquid cream, a little grated white chocolate, Dr. Oetker decorative daisies and leaves, ground walnuts.
