Suzette Cake
The dessert "Suzette Cake" is the perfect choice for celebrating special moments or simply bringing a touch of joy to everyday life. This delicate cake combines a fluffy base with a smooth cream and a crunchy topping of caramelized nuts, creating a culinary experience that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Let’s embark on this delightful recipe together!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the cake base:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 70 g flour
- 80 g ground nuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
For the cream:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g butter (ideally at room temperature for better mixing)
For the topping:
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g whole nuts
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the cake base
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with better mixing of the batter.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm, resembling meringue.
3. Adding the egg yolks: Carefully fold the egg yolks into the beaten egg whites, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air.
4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground nuts. Gradually add this mixture to the egg batter, gently mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Baking: Line a 25x35 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until the base is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. Beating the eggs: In a heatproof bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar over a double boiler. Continue to stir constantly until the mixture becomes frothy and thickens.
2. Cooling the cream: Once the cream is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Adding the butter: Melt the butter but leave it with small chunks (these will give an interesting texture to the cream). Add the melted butter to the egg cream, mixing well until smooth.
4. Spreading the cream: Once the cake base has cooled completely, spread the egg cream evenly over it, ensuring it is fully covered.
Step 3: Decorating the cake
1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pan, add the sugar and let it melt over medium heat. Watch carefully, as the sugar can burn easily. When it turns golden, add the whole nuts and quickly stir to coat them with caramel.
2. Cooling the topping: Pour the caramelized nut mixture onto a lightly greased sheet of parchment paper. Let it cool completely, then place the nuts in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin to obtain small pieces.
3. Finishing the cake: Sprinkle the crushed caramelized nuts over the cream on the cake. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours to set the cream and firm it up.
4. Cutting and serving: Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares or rectangles. Serve it chilled, alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.
Practical tips
- Keeping it fresh: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days.
- Variations: You can replace the nuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences. Additionally, adding a hint of rum or vanilla to the egg cream will provide an even richer flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?: While margarine can be used, butter provides a richer flavor and superior texture.
- Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?: Absolutely! In fact, the cake improves as it sits in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutritional benefits
This cake provides a source of protein from the eggs and nuts, which are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. The base also contains carbohydrates from the flour, providing energy, but it's good to be mindful of portion sizes considering the sugar and fat content in the cream.
Serving recommendations
To add a touch of elegance, you can serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A berry sauce or raspberry puree will perfectly complement the sweet flavors of this cake.
Enjoy every bite of the Suzette Cake! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy and happiness in every slice. Happy birthday to all those named Floarea or Florin, and may you have days filled with happiness and sweet moments!
Ingredients: Base: 6 eggs, 150 g sugar, 70 g flour, 80 g ground walnuts, 1 baking powder. Cream: 4 eggs, 150 g sugar, 200 g butter. For decoration: 100 g sugar, 100 g walnuts.
