Nut and coffee cake
Nut and coffee cake: a homemade delicacy that perfectly combines the flavors of nuts and coffee, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is ideal for any occasion, whether you are preparing for a gathering with friends, a celebration, or simply want to indulge in a delicious dessert. With a soft texture and a fine cream, this simple recipe will win you over from the first taste.
Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 24
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Base:
- 400 g sugar (preferably powdered sugar for a fine texture)
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g ground nuts (ideally, toast them slightly before grinding to enhance the flavor)
- 150 g flour
- 9 egg whites
- A pinch of salt (to stabilize the egg whites)
Cream I:
- 400 g powdered sugar
- 9 egg yolks
Cream II:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 6 teaspoons of coffee (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
A brief history
The nut and coffee cake is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. The combination of nuts and coffee has become popular in many cultures, with deep roots in the art of pastry making. This cake is not just a simple delicacy, but also a way to bring joy and comfort during special moments in life.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites. Use a mixer to beat them until they form stiff peaks. If desired, you can chill them slightly in the fridge for extra stability, but it is not necessary.
2. Prepare the nut mixture: In another bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy and airy mixture. It is important for the butter to be at room temperature to integrate well, so make sure to take it out in advance.
3. Add the nuts and flour: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the ground nuts and flour. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
4. Incorporate the egg whites: Using a spatula, gently fold in the beaten egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The consistency should be slightly thicker than a loaf batter, but not too dense.
5. Bake the base: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking tray or lined with parchment paper. Bake at a moderate to low temperature for about 20 minutes. Check if the base is baked by gently pressing with your finger; if nothing sticks to your finger, it is ready.
Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Prepare Cream I: While the base is in the oven, you can prepare the cream. Beat the egg yolks with powdered sugar until you achieve a thick, bright yellow mixture.
2. Add the cream over the base: Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the egg yolk cream on top. Spread evenly with a spatula and return to the oven at low heat to avoid browning, until the cream is firm and slightly browned.
Step 3: Preparing Cream II
1. Beat Cream II: After the base has cooled, beat the butter with powdered sugar and coffee until you achieve a smooth and airy cream. You can add the coffee gradually, adjusting the flavor intensity to your taste.
2. Spread the cream: Spread the cooled base with the prepared cream, making sure it is evenly covered. Sprinkle with ground nuts and a little coffee powder for an elegant look and added flavor.
Step 4: Cooling and serving
1. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours or ideally overnight. This will help firm up the cream and make the cake easier to cut.
2. Cut and serve: Cut the cake into squares or diamonds and serve it cold. It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a gathering with friends or a moment of personal indulgence.
Practical tips
- Toasted nuts: Roast the nuts in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 180°C to enhance the flavor and make them crunchier.
- Customization: You can add a few drops of rum essence to the base mixture or substitute coffee with cocoa for a delicious variation.
- Serving: If you want an extra touch of refinement, you can serve the cake with warm chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace egg whites with a vegan substitute? Yes, you can use an egg replacer for baking, but the final texture may vary.
- What can I use instead of coffee? Cocoa or melted chocolate are excellent alternatives if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Can this cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Calories and nutritional benefits
This cake is relatively high in calories due to the sugar and butter, but it is also an excellent source of healthy fats from nuts. A serving (approximately 100g) has around 400 calories. Nuts are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, providing benefits for heart and brain health.
Conclusion
The nut and coffee cake is a perfect choice for lovers of refined yet simple desserts. With a combination of accessible ingredients and an easy-to-follow preparation process, this recipe promises to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't forget to share the final result on social media so others can enjoy this delicacy too!
Ingredients: For a baking tray: BASE: 400g sugar (preferably powdered), 300g butter, 300g ground walnuts (it's ideal to lightly roast the walnuts in the oven before grinding them, they turn out amazing), 150g flour, 9 egg whites. CREAM I: 400g powdered sugar mixed with 9 egg yolks. CREAM II: 200g butter whipped with 150g powdered sugar and 6 teaspoons of instant coffee.
