Egyptian cake
The cake with thin layers and delicious creams is a special recipe, perfect for celebrating special moments, such as the birthday of a young woman turning 18. Today, I will share this recipe with a friendly and warm tone, step by step, so that you can create a perfect cake worthy of a memorable celebration. Let's wish Oana a happy birthday!
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12-15 servings
Ingredients
For the layers (6 pieces):
- 12 egg whites
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 240 g ground hazelnuts or walnuts
For Cream I:
- 12 egg yolks
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 680 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons of cornstarch (or flour)
- 350 g unsalted butter
- Vanilla essence
For Cream II:
- 500 ml whipped cream (Hulala is an excellent choice)
- 300 g sugar
- 240 g crushed hazelnuts or roasted and ground walnuts
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the layers
1. Start by preheating the oven to 150°C. It is essential to bake at a lower temperature to achieve thin and crispy layers.
2. In a large bowl, beat the 12 egg whites together with the 12 tablespoons of sugar using a high-speed mixer until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. This will be the base of your layers.
3. Carefully add the 3 tablespoons of flour and the 240 g of ground hazelnuts. Use a wooden spatula to gently fold in, so you don’t lose the air from the egg whites.
4. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. Then, spread the mixture evenly on the back of the tray, forming a uniform layer.
5. Bake the layer in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Repeat this process for the other 5 layers. Make sure that at the end, each layer is separated by baking paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Preparing Cream I
1. In a double boiler, combine the 12 egg yolks, the 12 tablespoons of sugar, the 4 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 680 ml of milk. The heat should be low to avoid lumps.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens like pudding. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let the cream cool.
3. In another bowl, beat 350 g of butter until creamy. Add the cooled cream and vanilla essence, mixing well until smooth.
Step 3: Preparing Cream II
1. In a saucepan, caramelize 300 g of sugar. Be careful not to burn it, as it can become bitter. Once the sugar is caramelized, pour it onto baking paper and let it cool completely.
2. After it has cooled, grind the caramel in a food processor until you obtain a fine powder.
3. Whip 500 ml of cream with a mixer until stiff, then add the caramelized sugar and the 240 g of crushed hazelnuts or roasted and ground walnuts. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Place the first layer of cake on a platter. Divide Cream I into 5 parts to make filling easier.
2. Spread a layer of Cream I on the cake layer, followed by a layer of Cream II. Continue with the other layers, ensuring that each layer is evenly filled.
3. Finally, decorate the cake to your liking. Personally, I chose to use marzipan, but I admit it was a new experience for me. I warmed it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to roll out and then applied it with great patience.
4. You can also add chocolate decorations, fresh fruits, or edible flowers for an even more festive look.
Tips and tricks
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or hazelnuts based on your preferences. You can also add different essences, such as rum or almonds, to give your cake a personal touch.
- Serving: The cake can be served with a scoop of ice cream or a berry sauce for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for a few days. It is just as delicious the next day!
Nutritional benefits
This cake, although indulgent, contains ingredients rich in protein (thanks to the eggs and butter) and healthy fats from the nuts. It is a good choice for special occasions, but, like any dessert, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use organic eggs?
Yes, organic eggs will add a richer taste to your cake, so it’s worth using them.
2. How can I prevent the layers from sticking?
Make sure to use baking paper between layers and let them cool completely before handling.
3. Is it possible to make the cake without sugar?
Yes, you can replace sugar with alternatives like stevia or erythritol, but the taste and texture may vary.
This layered cake with creams is a true culinary masterpiece and an excellent way to celebrate important moments. Whether it's a birthday, a special event, or simply a gathering with friends, the cake will surely leave a lasting impression. So, don’t hesitate to make it and enjoy every step of the cooking process!
Ingredients: EGGS (6 pieces) 12 egg whites 12 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons flour 240 g ground hazelnuts or walnuts CREAM I 12 egg yolks 12 tablespoons sugar 680 ml milk 4 tablespoons starch (flour) 350 g unsalted butter vanilla essence CREAM II 500 ml whipped cream Hulala 300 g sugar 240 g crushed hazelnuts or roasted and ground walnuts
