SNEAKERS
Walnut Cake with Caramel Cream – a delicacy that will win anyone's heart
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12
I present you with a recipe that will bring a smile to your face and delight your taste buds: walnut cake with caramel cream. This cake is not just a simple recipe; it is a true culinary masterpiece that combines textures and flavors in an impressive way. It’s the perfect choice for special occasions or simply to pamper someone dear. Let’s get started!
Ingredients needed
For the base:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the walnut cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 250 g roasted walnuts, chopped (not ground, to maintain texture)
- 1 package (approx. 200 g) butter
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (the ideal way is to let it heat up well before placing the base inside).
2. In a large bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until frothy. This step is essential, as the air incorporated will make the base fluffy and light.
3. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue. This will take a few minutes, but the result is worth it.
4. Use a spatula to gently fold in the ground walnuts, flour, and baking powder. Mix lightly with up-and-down movements to avoid losing the air in the egg whites.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper (the ideal size would be about 30 x 40 cm) and level the surface.
6. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the base is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Preparing the walnut cream
The cream has three important phases, each contributing to the final texture and flavor.
*Phase 1: Roasting the walnuts*
1. In a skillet, roast the 250 g of whole walnuts over medium heat until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn! Once roasted, let them cool, then chop them into small pieces (do not grind them, to maintain a crunchy texture in the cream).
*Phase 2: Beating the egg yolks*
1. In a separate bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks with 5 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a light-colored, fragrant, and fluffy mixture. This mixture will add richness to your cream.
*Phase 3: Caramelizing the sugar*
1. In a skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a golden caramel. Be careful not to burn it, as the taste will turn bitter.
2. Once the sugar has caramelized, add the butter. Stir well until the butter is completely melted.
3. Add the chopped roasted walnuts to the skillet and mix to coat them in the caramel.
4. Add the egg yolk and sugar mixture, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes. It is crucial not to leave the cream on the heat for too long, or it will curdle. Remove from heat when the cream becomes a thick, homogeneous consistency.
Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has completely cooled, spread the walnut cream evenly over it using a wide knife to achieve a smooth surface.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
Serving and suggestions
To serve, cut the cake into squares or rectangles, and decorate with a few roasted walnuts on top. This cake pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream will add a delicious contrast.
Variations and useful tips
1. You can replace some of the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
2. If you want an extra indulgent touch, you can add a bit of cocoa to the base mixture for a chocolatey flavor.
3. The cream can be flavored with rum or vanilla extract to enhance its taste.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why does the cream curdle? The cream can curdle if the egg yolks are overcooked or if the caramelized sugar is not well mixed. Make sure to adhere to the cooking times.
2. Can I use ground walnuts? It is recommended to use coarsely chopped walnuts in the cream to achieve a crunchy texture. Ground walnuts will make the cream smoother but less interesting.
3. How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap. The flavor will improve over time.
4. What other recipes can I try? If you enjoy the combination of walnuts and caramel, you can explore recipes for walnut cakes or salted caramel desserts.
This walnut cake with caramel cream will surely become one of your favorites and those of your loved ones. Make it with love; it will bring joy in every slice!
Ingredients: base: 6 egg whites 250 g ground walnuts 200 g sugar 5 tablespoons of flour 1 baking powder CREAM: 6 egg yolks 10 tablespoons of sugar 250 g roasted walnuts chopped 1 package of butter
