Chinese cake

Chinese Cake - The Taste of Childhood

On a rainy evening, with the scent of vanilla and nuts in the air, I felt a deep nostalgia for the desserts of my childhood. This Chinese cake, as we called it, was a staple at holiday gatherings and not only brought our family together but also offered us moments of pure joy. This recipe is a true refuge in my memories, an explosion of flavors and textures that makes us feel at home, regardless of age. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 egg whites
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 200 g walnuts (ground)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 60 g flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 5 egg yolks
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 30 g milk chocolate (for decoration)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Mixing the butter: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step is essential as the incorporated air will make the base fluffy.

2. Preparing the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. This texture will add volume and contribute to the fluffy appearance of the cake.

3. Combining the ingredients: Using a silicone spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the butter mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Use delicate up-and-down motions.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sifted flour. These ingredients will add flavor and consistency to the base.

5. Finalizing the mixture: Add the dry ingredient mixture over the butter and egg white mixture. Mix again with gentle motions, then add the vanilla extract.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Line a 22/24 cm pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Baking the base: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C and let the cake bake for 20 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door during baking to prevent temperature drop.

Step 2: Preparing the glaze

1. Mixing the egg yolks: In a clean bowl, beat the egg yolks with powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and changes color to a light shade.

2. Adding the glaze: After 20 minutes of baking, remove the base from the oven and evenly pour the glaze mixture over it. Cover the entire surface to achieve a uniform and glossy appearance.

3. Final baking: Put the cake back in the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes. You will find that the glaze forms a thin crust while the base remains moist and delicious.

4. Decorating: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and grate chocolate on top. This will add an intense flavor that perfectly complements the walnut and vanilla aromas.

5. Cooling and slicing: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step is essential for achieving beautiful and well-defined portions.

Serving

The Chinese cake can be served plain, but I recommend pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. This combination will add a fresh touch and balance the sweetness of the cake.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation. Nuts can be ground at home for a fresher texture and more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can add some dried fruit or chocolate pieces to the base mixture to customize the cake to your taste.
- Storage: The cake keeps well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for a few days.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains walnuts, which are rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Additionally, cocoa is known for its antioxidant properties and can improve mood. However, it is important to consume desserts in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the nuts?
Yes, you can use almonds or pistachios to change the flavor of the cake.

2. How can I make the glaze more flavorful?
You can add a few drops of rum or coffee extract to the glaze to enhance the flavor.

3. How long can it be stored?
The cake can be kept for up to 4 days, covered, to prevent drying out.

4. Is this dessert suitable for vegans?
Although the original recipe is not vegan, you can experiment with alternative ingredients, such as vegan butter and aquafaba (chickpea water) to replace the egg whites.

5. What drinks pair well with the cake?
A cup of black tea or strong coffee can perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake.

Conclusion

The Chinese cake is not just a simple dessert but a sweet memory from childhood that brings family and joy together. This simple and quick recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. So gather the ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of this delicious cake! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 5 egg whites, 200g butter, 150g powdered sugar, 200g walnuts, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 60g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence, a pinch of salt. For the glaze: 5 egg yolks, 100g powdered sugar, 30g milk chocolate.

 Tags:  cake chocolate glaze