Chinese woman
Chinese Walnut Cake with Egg Yolk Glaze
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
The Chinese walnut cake is an indulgent dessert with a fluffy texture and rich flavor, combining the tastes of walnuts, cocoa, and a splash of rum. Throughout history, this cake has been appreciated for its simplicity in preparation and the delight it offers, becoming a popular choice in many households. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat your family, this quick and easy recipe will bring smiles.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 package (250 g) of butter at room temperature
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 5 egg whites
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 40 g cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons rum essence
For the glaze:
- 5 egg yolks
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
Cake preparation:
1. Prepare your ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a uniform and fluffy batter. You can take the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.
2. Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine well until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step, called aeration, will help the cake be fluffier.
3. Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and ground walnuts. Sifting these ingredients together will improve the cake's texture. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with butter and sugar, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.
4. Whip egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial, as the air incorporated into the egg whites will make the cake light and fluffy.
5. Combine egg whites with the batter: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the flour, cocoa, and walnut mixture using light up-and-down motions. The goal is to retain the air in the egg whites, so do not overmix.
6. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and smooth the surface. Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. This means that if you insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake, it should come out clean.
7. Prepare the glaze: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar and rum essence until creamy.
8. Finish the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the egg yolk glaze over it. Place the cake back in the oven with the heat turned off, allowing it to rest there for 10 minutes. This step will help the glaze set and become slightly golden.
9. Cool and serve: After the cake has completely cooled, you can cut it into squares or diamonds. Serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast.
Helpful tips:
- Choosing nuts: Use fresh walnuts, as they provide an intense flavor and a crunchy texture. If desired, you can substitute walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for an interesting variation.
- Quality cocoa: Choose good quality cocoa to achieve a rich flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is less bitter and can provide a sweeter taste.
- Rum essence: This can be replaced with vanilla essence if you prefer a milder flavor.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Additionally, cocoa is rich in antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, the cake can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- How can I store the cake? The cake stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days. You can freeze it for longer storage.
Possible variations:
- Add fruits: You can add pieces of dried or fresh fruits, such as cherries or raspberries, for a fruity flavor.
- Chocolate sprinkle: For an extra touch of decadence, you can add melted dark or white chocolate on top of the glaze.
Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of sweet wine, which will complement the rich flavors of the dessert.
Enjoy making this Chinese cake and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to give it your personal touch!
Ingredients: a pack of butter 150 g sugar 5 egg whites 100 g flour 1 baking powder 250 g walnuts 2 rum essences 40 g cocoaGlaze 5 egg yolks 150 g sugar 1 rum essence
