Chinese cake

Chinese Cake: A Delicacy with Nuts and Delicate Glaze

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20

The "Chinese cake" is a classic recipe, a true delight that combines the fluffy texture of the base with a fine and aromatic glaze. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and is an excellent choice for those who love nut desserts. Additionally, it is a simple recipe, ideal for beginners, yet sophisticated enough to impress anyone.

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 egg whites
- 70 g of flour (sifted)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g of nuts (ground)
- 140 g of powdered sugar
- 140 g of butter (at room temperature)
- Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

For the glaze:
- 4 egg yolks
- 140 g of powdered sugar

For decoration:
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 20-25 g of butter
- Optional: cocoa syrup or melted chocolate

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the base
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is important to have the oven ready before putting in the cake to achieve even baking.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar until you achieve a creamy mixture. This is the base of your cake and will contribute to its fluffy texture.
- Add the ground nuts, grated lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
- Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate them into the butter mixture. Sifting the flour is essential, as this step helps achieve a fine texture for the base.
- Beat the egg whites until foamy. This step is crucial, as the beaten egg whites will give the cake an airy texture. Carefully fold the egg whites into the above mixture using a spatula, so as not to lose the air from the egg whites.

2. Baking
- Line a baking tray of approximately 20x30 cm with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour. Personally, I prefer parchment paper as it reduces the amount of fat.
- Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- After baking, let the cake cool in the tray for a few minutes, then remove it from the tray and take off the parchment paper. Place the cake on a rack to cool completely.

3. Preparing the glaze
- While the cake cools, you can prepare the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until creamy and lighter in color.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the surface of the cooled cake. This step will add a sweet note and a fine texture.

4. Baking the glaze
- Place the cake with the glaze in the previously heated oven at a low temperature (about 150°C) to dry and firm up the glaze. This step is essential to achieve a perfect glaze.
- Let the cake cool again for about 2 hours.

5. Decoration
- For decoration, prepare a mixture of powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter. Mix over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once the mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it to a nylon bag, cutting a small hole in one corner. Use this cone to decorate the cake in lines or patterns, as preferred. This step adds an artistic touch to your cake.

Chef's Tip
For an extra flavor, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex taste. If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of this cake contains approximately 180-200 calories. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, beneficial for immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute egg whites with a vegan substitute?
Yes, you can use a plant-based egg white substitute, such as aquafaba (chickpea water) to achieve a similar result.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze the cake to extend its shelf life.

3. What drinks pair well with the "Chinese cake"?
This cake pairs perfectly with a flavored coffee or a fruit tea, enhancing the sweet and nutty flavors.

Serving
Once the cake has completely cooled, cut it into squares of about 4-5 cm. Serve it on an elegant platter, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a fruit sauce for a delicious contrast.

We conclude our culinary journey with the promise that every bite of this "Chinese cake" will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Experiment, share, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: Base: -4 egg whites -70 g of flour -1/4 teaspoon of baking powder -100 g of ground walnuts -140 g of powdered sugar -140 g of butter -zest from 1/2 lemon -1/2 teaspoon of vanilla Frosting: -4 egg yolks -140 g of powdered sugar For decoration: -2 tablespoons of powdered sugar -1 tablespoon of cocoa -1 tablespoon of milk -20-25 g of butter Or some sorbet or melted chocolate.