Queen Maria Cake

Queen Mary Cake: A Classic Delight with Caramel Hues

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 16-20

Welcome to the world of the delicacy that combines tradition with refinement, the Queen Mary cake! This cake is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a family story, a recipe that has crossed generations and brought smiles to festive tables. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing this wonderful cake with a walnut base, delicious cream, and caramel, perfect for any occasion.

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 8 egg whites (about 240 g)
- 350 g sugar
- 350 g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 8 egg yolks (about 160 g)
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter, at room temperature

*For the caramel:*
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g butter

*For the krantz:*
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g roasted and chopped walnuts

Step by Step: Preparing the Queen Mary Cake

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by preheating the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to obtain a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes shiny and firm.

*Helpful Tip:* Make sure the bowl is clean and dry, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from foaming properly.

2. Incorporating the Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the meringue, along with the ground walnuts, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating.

3. Baking the Base:
Line a 25 x 35 cm baking tray with parchment paper greased with a little butter. Pour the mixture into the tray and level it with a spatula. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the base is lightly browned and passes the toothpick test. After baking, let the base cool on a wire rack.

4. Preparing the Cream:
While the base cools, prepare the cream. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until they become a homogeneous and slightly whitish mixture. Place the bowl over a water bath on low heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens. Once thickened, let the cream cool completely.

*Tip:* It is essential to stir constantly to avoid lumps in the cream.

5. Incorporating the Butter:
Beat the butter until creamy and light, then gradually incorporate the cooled cream. Mix until you obtain a fluffy and soft cream.

6. Preparing the Caramel:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the sugar for caramelization over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden, add the butter and stir until completely melted.

7. Assembling the Cake:
Cut the cooled base into two equal parts, ensuring the cut side is facing up. Pour the warm caramel over the two bases. Let it cool and set slightly.

8. Preparing the Krantz:
In the same heavy-bottomed pot, melt the sugar until it becomes caramel, then add the roasted and chopped walnuts. Mix well and pour onto a greased baking sheet or plate. Let it cool, then crush it using a beer bottle.

9. Finalizing the Cake:
Place the first base with the caramel side up, spread half of the cream, then add the second base with the caramel side down. Cover with the remaining cream and sprinkle the krantz on top.

10. Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight. Then, cut into portions and enjoy.

Personal Tip: This is the recipe my mother prepares every time we have family celebrations, and each piece reminds us of the beautiful moments spent together. I recommend serving it with a cup of coffee or flavored tea to perfectly complement the taste of this delicious cake.

Nutritional Information: One serving of Queen Mary cake contains approximately 350 calories. It is rich in protein due to the eggs and contains healthy fats from the walnuts and butter, providing a sustainable source of energy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I replace walnuts with another ingredient? Yes, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor, but make sure to maintain the proportions.

- How can I keep the cake fresh? Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

- Is it possible to make a smaller base? Absolutely! You can cut the base in half and use a smaller tray (17.5 x 25 cm), which will yield taller cakes with four layers.

This Queen Mary cake recipe will not only bring you culinary satisfaction but also unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So let’s get to work and create a sweet masterpiece together! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: - for the base: 8 egg whites, 350 g sugar, 350 g ground walnuts, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 baking powder - for the cream: 8 egg yolks, 300 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter - for the caramel: 8 tablespoons sugar, 50 g butter - for the krantz: 150 g sugar, 150 g roasted and chopped walnuts