Napolitan wafers with walnut and caramel

Napolitan Wafer Recipe with Walnut and Caramel: An Irresistible Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours (ideally 24 hours)
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will indulge in a classic recipe for napolitan wafers with walnut and caramel, a dessert that perfectly combines the crunchy texture of the wafers with the rich walnut cream and the sweetness of caramel. This dish has a long history, being appreciated in many cultures as a symbol of hospitality and festive sweets. Whether you serve it at a party, a family meal, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to win you over!

Ingredients

- 6 small napolitan wafers (or 3 large wafers cut in half)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for the cream)
- 250 g butter (or margarine, such as Rama Maestro)
- 1 cup of roasted and chopped walnuts

Necessary utensils

- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Pan
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Oven-safe dish
- Refrigerator
- Weight or a heavy plate

Nutritional information

This dessert is high in calories due to the sugar and butter content, but walnuts provide a healthy dose of good fats and proteins. One serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the type of butter or margarine used.

Step by step: Preparing the Napolitan Wafer with Walnut and Caramel

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the 2 cups of sugar and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, being careful not to burn it. When the sugar starts to melt and turns golden, get ready for the next step.

2. Adding water: Carefully pour the 2 cups of water over the caramelized sugar. Be very cautious, as the steam released is extremely hot. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves in the water. Let it boil for a few minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Preparing the walnuts: Chop the walnuts and toast them in a dry pan, moving the pan constantly to avoid burning. Toasted walnuts add an intense flavor and a crunchy texture to the cream, so don't skip this step!

4. Walnut cream: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the 5 tablespoons of sugar until frothy. Add the 6 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Slowly, add the caramelized sugar syrup (make sure it has cooled). Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and place it over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, similar to a pudding.

5. Finishing the cream: Once the cream has thickened, remove it from heat and add the diced butter. Stir until melted, then add the toasted walnuts and mix again. Let the cream cool to room temperature.

6. Assembling the napolitan wafer: Place the first napolitan wafer on a platter and generously spread cream on it. Repeat the process for each wafer, leaving the last wafer unspread. Place something heavy on top (a plate or a weight) to help compact the layers, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

7. Serving: After it has been in the refrigerator, cut into portions and enjoy! This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Useful tips

- Caramelizing: If you find that the sugar is burning too quickly, reduce the heat. Caramelizing should be a slow process to achieve an even color.
- Walnuts: You can vary the recipe by using hazelnuts, almonds, or toasted pistachios. Each type of nut will bring a distinct flavor.
- Weight: If you don't have a weight, you can use a heavy plate or another kitchen object to press the wafers and keep them stuck together.
- Alternative serving: Try adding a chocolate sauce on top or serving with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought napolitan wafers?
Yes, it is recommended to use ready-made napolitan wafers to save time. Make sure they are of good quality!

2. How can I store the recipe for a longer time?
Keep the dessert in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cream?
I do not recommend freezing the cream, as the texture may deteriorate. It is better to prepare the dessert a day in advance and consume it fresh.

Variations

To customize the recipe, you can add flavors such as vanilla essence, rum, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the walnut cream for an extra touch of flavor. Also, experiment with different types of sugar – brown sugar can add a deeper caramelized note.

Personal note

This recipe for napolitan wafers with walnut and caramel reminds me of evenings spent with family, when we savored each bite with joy. Each layer of wafer and cream is a sweet memory that binds us and brings a smile to our faces.

I hope you enjoyed traveling with me on this culinary adventure! Now it's time to put on your apron and prepare this delicious dessert. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 6 small sheets of wafer (or 3 large sheets cut in half as I did) 2 cups of sugar 2 cups of water 6 tablespoons of flour 2 eggs 5 tablespoons of sugar 250 g of butter (or Rama Maestro margarine) 1 cup of roasted and chopped nuts