Pain cake dessert

The "Pain" dessert is a cake that perfectly combines fine textures with rich flavors, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a family story, a recipe passed down through generations, bringing together the best ingredients to create a moment of sweet indulgence.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the layers:*
- 8 egg whites
- 16 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 250 grams of ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons of flour

*For the cream:*
- 8 egg yolks
- 16 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 250 grams of butter (at room temperature)

Preparation of Layers

1. Beat the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add the 16 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is essential for obtaining light and airy layers.

2. Add the Light Ingredients: Fold in the ground walnuts and then the flour, mixing with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Gently mix from top to bottom to avoid deflating the air incorporated into the egg whites.

3. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter into 4 equal portions. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a baking sheet in the baking tray and evenly spread one portion of the batter. Bake each layer for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

4. Cooling the Layers: When you take the layers out of the oven, immediately lift them from the tray, carefully removing the parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent sticking.

Preparation of Cream

1. Beat the Egg Yolks: In a heat-resistant bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar. Place the bowl over a bain-marie (a pot of boiling water) and continuously stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

2. Add the Flour and Milk: Once the sugar has melted, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk and flour, stirring constantly. Continue to cook over steam for about 10 minutes, whisking until the cream thickens.

3. Cooling the Cream: Remove the cream from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, gradually incorporate the soft butter, mixing until you achieve a smooth and fine cream.

Assembly

1. Layer the Sheets: Take the first layer and spread a portion of cream over it. Repeat this process, alternating layers with cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer on top.

2. Decoration: On top, you can add a small amount of cream and sprinkle ground walnuts or even toasted nuts, chopped finely, for a delicious and attractive appearance.

Serving and Suggestions

The "Pain" dessert is usually served cold, left in the fridge for a few hours before cutting, to allow the flavors to meld. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, which highlights the sweetness of the dessert.

Practical Tips

- Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature for a more stable meringue.
- Always check the oven with a thermometer, as the temperature can vary, affecting baking time.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners or reduce the amount of butter by using Greek yogurt.

Nutritional Information

This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and contains healthy fats from the nuts and butter. Consuming a moderate portion can provide an energy boost, but keep in mind that it is also a relatively caloric dessert, with approximately 250-300 calories per serving, depending on portioning and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use boxed egg whites? It is recommended to use fresh egg whites for the best results, but if you use boxed egg whites, make sure they are 100% pure.
- What can I do if the cream curdles? If the cream curdles, you can try mixing it again to homogenize it. If that doesn't work, you can use it as a filling for pancakes or other desserts.

The "Pain" dessert is not just a cake, but a cooking and tasting experience. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy every step, and share the result with your loved ones. Every bite will be a sweet memory!

 Ingredients: Sheets: 8 egg whites, 16 tablespoons sugar, 250 grams ground walnuts, 3 tablespoons flour. Cream: 8 egg yolks, 16 tablespoons sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 2-3 tablespoons flour, 250 grams butter.