Coffee Cake

Delicacies for carolers are a delight that brings joy and warmth to the hearts of those who savor them. This coffee cake recipe, featuring a fluffy base and a smooth cream, is perfect for offering to carolers or enjoying with family during the festive season.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the coffee cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 packets of 3-in-1 coffee
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 200 g sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 packet of gelatin (hydrated)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Coffee cakes have become popular in many cultures, symbolizing hospitality and kindness. These treats are often associated with moments of relaxation and socializing, frequently served at gatherings with friends or during holidays. The combination of coffee and sweets has created a perfect balance between the intense flavors of coffee and the sweetness of dessert over time.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the base:

Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a more uniform texture. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue.

A helpful trick here is to check if the meringue is ready: turn the bowl upside down! If it doesn’t spill, it’s perfect!

Then add the oil and mix well. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, ground walnuts, and baking powder. Gently fold them into the egg white mixture using a spatula to avoid losing the air in the composition.

Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and level it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let the base cool completely before cutting it in half.

2. Preparing the cream:

In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks, flour, sugar, and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously to prevent sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens, resembling a pudding.

Once the cream has thickened, add the cocoa powder and the packets of 3-in-1 coffee, mixing well. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming. Allow the cream to cool completely.

When the cream is cool, gradually incorporate the previously whipped butter, ensuring it blends well. Add the hydrated and dissolved gelatin over a steam bath, mixing vigorously to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.

3. Assembling the cake:

Place the first layer of the base on a serving platter and lightly soak it with a syrup made of water and sugar (you can also add rum essence for a more intense flavor). Then add half of the coffee cream and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow it to set slightly.

Place the second layer of the base and soak it again. Cover with the remaining cream and refrigerate for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This cooling time will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

Serving and Variations

The coffee cake is delicious served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or champagne. You can decorate it with grated chocolate or coconut for an extra touch of flavor. Additionally, you can add a caramel sauce for a sweet and tangy note.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Egg whites are an excellent source of protein, while ground walnuts provide healthy fats. Coffee, on the other hand, is known for its antioxidant and energizing properties. Of course, it’s important to consume desserts in moderation, but this cake can be a delightful choice within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener, but make sure to follow the specific usage instructions for it.

2. What should I do if the cream is too soft?
If the cream doesn’t thicken enough, you can add a little more gelatin, dissolved over a steam bath, to give it more consistency.

3. How can I adapt the recipe to make it gluten-free?
You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Delicacies for carolers are not just a dessert but an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. This coffee cake will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every step of its preparation. Don’t forget to share the results with us and let us know what variations you have tried! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 6 egg whites, 1 pinch of salt, 200 g sugar, 3 tablespoons oil, 4 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons ground walnuts, 1/2 baking powder. Coffee cream: 6 egg yolks, 200 g butter, 2 packets of 3-in-1, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 200 g sugar, 400 ml milk, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 packet of gelatin.

 Tags:  coffee cake cake coffee cocoa cookies homemade cookies goodies for carolers