Chinese Cake

Today, I invite you to indulge in the sweet and inviting aromas of a special cake, a delicacy that brings joy in every bite. This walnut cake with egg yolk glaze is an excellent choice for a refined dessert, perfect for impressing your loved ones. Moreover, it is a simple recipe but with a spectacular result that I encourage you to try this weekend!

Total time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 + 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The story of the cake

This walnut cake with egg yolk glaze has its roots deeply embedded in culinary tradition, where desserts were often made with simple yet quality ingredients. Each layer brings a different texture, and the combination of nuts and chocolate is an explosion of flavors that will make any moment of indulgence truly special.

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 6 egg whites
- 100 g flour
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 baking powder

For the glaze:
- 6 egg yolks
- 120 g powdered sugar

For decoration:
- 20 g chocolate
- 2-3 tablespoons milk

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation. Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. This is an essential technique in cooking that will help you work efficiently and avoid mishaps.

2. Preparing the base:
- In a large bowl, mix the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. This is when the butter will change texture and trap air, making the cake fluffier.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step will ensure a light and airy cake.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the butter mixture using a spatula, making sure to use up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts, flour, cocoa, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. This will be the dry base of the cake.
- Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg white mixture, carefully mixing until everything is well incorporated.

4. Baking the base:
- Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (preferably 20x30 cm) and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 20 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes to prevent moisture from escaping.

5. Preparing the glaze:
- While the base is baking, prepare the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This will add not only sweetness but also a velvety texture to the cake.

6. Finalizing the baking:
- After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and spread the egg yolk glaze evenly over the warm base. Return the cake to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the glaze sets slightly and turns golden.

7. Cooling and decorating:
- Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan. Then, for decoration, melt the chocolate with 2-3 tablespoons of milk, stirring until smooth. Using a spoon, draw lines on the surface of the glaze, creating an artistic pattern.

8. Portioning:
- After the chocolate has set, cut the cake into equal portions. This is a pleasant part of the process, as each slice will highlight the delicious layers and textures of the cake.

Practical tips

- Quality ingredients: Use good quality butter, as it directly influences the taste of the cake. Fresh walnuts are essential to add a rich flavor.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients such as raisins or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra touch of flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee, making every bite a moment of relaxation.

Nutritional information

Estimated calories per serving: 250-300 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. This cake contains protein from egg whites and yolks, healthy fats from butter and walnuts, as well as carbohydrates from sugar and flour. The walnuts also provide fiber and antioxidants, making this cake a more balanced choice than many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the walnuts with something else? Yes, you can use ground almonds or even ground cereals for a nut-free version.
- How can I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for a longer period.
- What can I do if I don't have cocoa? You can omit the cocoa, but you should reduce the amount of flour slightly to compensate.

Now that you have gone through every step of this recipe, I am sure you are ready to start cooking! The walnut cake with egg yolk glaze is not just a dessert, but a cooking experience that brings happiness and warmth to every home. I wish you good luck in cooking and, above all, enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Base: 250 g butter, 6 egg whites, 100 g flour, 200 g powdered sugar, 250 g ground walnuts, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 baking powder. Glaze: 6 egg yolks, 120 g powdered sugar. Decoration: 20 g chocolate, 2-3 tablespoons milk.

 Tags:  chinese cake nut cake