Chinese cake

Chinese cake is a dessert that combines the moist texture of the layers with a fine, creamy glaze, having an intense flavor of nuts and citrus. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests or indulge your family with a special dessert. The total preparation time is approximately 50 minutes, and this recipe can serve up to 12 portions.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g ground nuts (preferably walnuts)
- 100 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder

For the glaze:
- 6 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 100 g chocolate (for decoration)

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cake.

2. Preparing the butter: In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with 200 g of sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This will help incorporate air, making the base lighter.

3. Adding the nuts: Fold the ground nuts into the butter mixture. Choose fresh nuts for an intense flavor. You can lightly roast them in a dry pan to enhance their aroma.

4. Incorporating the flour: Add the flour along with the baking powder and gently mix with a spatula. Doing this will prevent lumps from forming and will yield a smooth batter.

5. Whipping the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until stiff peaks form. These will give the layers a light and airy texture.

6. Completing the mixture: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the butter, nut, and flour mixture using slow folding motions. This step is crucial to maintain the volume of the egg whites.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into a greased and lined baking tray. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the Glaze
1. Whipping the egg yolks: In another bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks with 200 g of sugar until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture. This process will add a rich flavor to the glaze.

2. Adding flavors: Incorporate the vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. The lemon will add a touch of freshness and balance the sweetness of the glaze.

3. Glazing the layers: Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and cover it with the egg yolk glaze. Ensure it is evenly spread over the entire surface.

4. Baking the glaze: Put the cake back in the oven at a very low heat to allow the glaze to set and form a fine crust. A trick is to place the tray higher in the oven for even baking of the glaze.

5. Decorating: When the glaze is ready, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool. Grate chocolate on top for an elegant look and added flavor.

Practical Tips
- Types of nuts: You can experiment with various types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to change the flavor of the cake.
- Replacing sugar: For a healthier option, you can replace part of the sugar with natural sweeteners, but keep in mind that the final texture may vary.
- Serving: This cake is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of green tea, which will complement the flavors of nuts and lemon.
- Storage: If you manage to have leftover cake, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake contains nuts, which are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the eggs provide valuable proteins and essential nutrients. The calories in one serving are around 300-350, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will vary.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze and add more lemon juice for a more acidic taste.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to freeze it before adding the glaze.

Possible Variations
For a personal touch, you can add pieces of candied fruit or even a few drops of rum to the glaze for extra flavor. You can also try using white or milk chocolate for decoration instead of dark chocolate.

The Chinese cake is a recipe that combines simplicity with refinement, offering a dessert that will surely be appreciated by all who taste it. So put on your apron and enjoy cooking! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Base-6 egg whites-200g sugar-200g butter-200g walnuts-100g flour-1 baking powderGlaze-6 egg yolks-200g sugar-1 packet vanilla-lemon zest and juice-chocolate