Steliana Cake

Steliana Cake - A Delight for the Holidays

The Steliana cake is a special recipe, full of memories and emotions, dedicated to loved ones. This refined dessert, featuring a walnut base soaked in rum syrup, covered in chocolate glaze and decorated with whipped cream flowers, is sure to be the star of any celebration or name day. Preparing this cake is a true culinary art, but with a little patience and attention to detail, the result will meet your expectations.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 7 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 500 ml water
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum essence
- 5-6 tablespoons of sugar

For the buttercream:
- 1 package of butter (200 g, 85% fat)
- 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of instant coffee

For the chocolate glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk (depending on the desired consistency)

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Sugar snowflakes

Preparation of the Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Base
1. Start by separating the 5 eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer on high speed until they form stiff peaks.
3. Continue beating and gradually add the sugar until the mixture becomes glossy and firm. This is the perfect time to add the yolks, one at a time, gently folding them in with a spatula.
4. Gently fold in the baking powder, flour, and ground walnuts, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a round baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes. The base is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
1. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Once the syrup has boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the rum essence. Allow it to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream
1. In a bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with the powdered sugar and Bourbon vanilla sugar until creamy.
2. Add the cocoa and instant coffee, continuing to mix until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake
1. Once the base has cooled, carefully cut it into two parts: a thicker bottom and a thinner top.
2. Soak each part with the rum syrup, being careful not to soak it too much to avoid crumbling.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
1. In a small saucepan, heat a little milk, but do not bring it to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the broken chocolate pieces. Stir until completely melted and you have a smooth glaze. If you want a thinner glaze, you can add more milk.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake
1. Coat the cake with the chocolate glaze, allowing it to drip gently over the edges for an elegant look.
2. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes so that the glaze can set.
3. Whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm, being careful not to overwhip it.
4. Once the glaze has set, decorate the cake with whipped cream and sugar snowflakes for a festive appearance.

Serving and Suggestions
The Steliana cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. The aroma of rum blends perfectly with the rich taste of chocolate, while the walnut base adds a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creaminess of the buttercream.

Possible Variations
- You can replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts to diversify the flavors.
- Instead of instant coffee, you can use freshly brewed coffee for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Nuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, while dark chocolate provides beneficial flavonoids for health. Of course, being a dessert, it is important to enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Can I replace the butter in the cream?
If you prefer a vegan option, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter.

How sweet is the cake?
The sweetness of the cake can be adjusted according to your preferences. You can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or cream.

Conclusion
The Steliana cake is not just a dessert; it is a true declaration of love for those dear to you. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will bring joy and smiles to the faces of those who savor it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base we need: 5 eggs; 5 tablespoons of sugar; 2 tablespoons of flour; 7 tablespoons of walnuts; a pinch of baking powder; a teaspoon of salt. For the cream we need: 1 package of 85% fat butter (200 gr.); 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon of Bourbon vanilla sugar; 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa; 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or soluble coffee. For the syrup we need: 500 ml of water; 1-2 tablespoons of rum essence; 5-6 tablespoons of sugar. For the chocolate glaze: 100 g of dark chocolate; 2-3 tablespoons of milk. For decoration: 200 ml of liquid cream; sugar snowflakes.