Cocoa Glazed Cake

Cocoa icing cake recipe: a soft and aromatic treat

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the magical world of sweets! Today I invite you to discover a cake with cocoa frosting that will spoil all your senses. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of the crust with the intense flavor of nuts and cocoa icing, resulting in a dessert that is sure to become a favorite with family and friends.

A brief history of the recipe
Cakes with cocoa icing have a long tradition in kitchens around the world. Whether served on special occasions or on ordinary days, these desserts have the gift of bringing joy and warmth. The combination of nuts and cocoa is a time-honored classic, and today I'll show you how to make this delicacy at home.

Ingredients:
- 200 g butter (make sure it's room temperature to get the perfect lather)
- 200 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper taste)
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 200 g ground walnuts (you can choose between walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preference)
- 100 g flour (wheat flour is the most common, but you can experiment with wholemeal flour for a healthier option)
- 1 baking powder (make sure it's fresh so the cake will rise evenly)
- Juice from half a lemon (to activate the baking powder)
- 6 egg whites (beaten foamy for an airy texture)
- 6 yolks (to enrich the flavor)
- 200 g powdered sugar (to sweeten the yolks)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (use good quality cocoa for an intense flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) by greasing with butter and lining with flour. This step is essential to avoid the cake sticking.

2. In a large bowl, add 200g room temperature butter and 200g sugar. Using an electric mixer, mix the ingredients on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add vanilla powder and continue mixing for a few seconds.

3. Stir in the ground walnuts, flour and baking powder dissolved in lemon juice. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to remove any air.

4. In another bowl, beat the 6 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for a fluffy, airy cake.

5. Fold the beaten egg whites into the butter-walnut mixture, stirring gently, using up and down strokes, to maintain volume.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Place pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is firm to the touch.

7. While the pastry is baking, prepare the yolk custard. In a bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks with 200 g of powdered sugar until creamy and light in color.

8. When the pastry is almost baked (check with a toothpick), take the tray out of the oven and pour the yolk custard evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the custard is set.

9. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Before serving, make the cocoa glaze. Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa with a little hot water and sugar until smooth. Pour the cold icing over the top of the cake and leave to set.

11. Cut the cake into portions and serve with hot tea or flavored coffee. Also perfect for a party or a get-together with friends!

Helpful tips:
- You can add other ingredients, such as raisins or chopped chocolate, to add extra flavor to the cake.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for several days without losing its freshness.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains nuts, which are rich in healthy fats and protein, contributing to a balanced diet. Cocoa is also a powerful antioxidant, which can help improve heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I use instead of butter?
Try using margarine or coconut oil for a vegan option.

3. How can I improve the flavor?
Add lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for extra freshness.

Combine this cake with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for an even more delicious dessert! I hope you enjoy every bite of this cocoa frosting cookie. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -200 g butter -200 g ground walnuts -100 g flour -400 g sugar -6 eggs -1 baking powder -1 tbsp lemon juice -2 tbsp cocoa -1 packet of vanilla