Kiev Cake
Kiev Cake – A Delicacy with a Story
The Kiev cake is a true gem of the pastry world, a dessert that has won the hearts of many over the decades. Created in 1950 at the famous Karl Marx Confectionery Factory in Kiev, this cake has become a symbol of the city and an emblem of culinary tradition. Each slice tells the story of a city rich in history and emotions, and its preparation is an art that requires patience and attention to detail. Below, I will share with you the complete recipe to achieve this refined dessert, which is sure to impress any guest.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10
Necessary Ingredients for Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g fine sugar (do not use powdered sugar)
- 2 cups of nuts (preferably cashews or hazelnuts)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Necessary Ingredients for Cream:
- 150 ml milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 75-100 g sugar (depending on preference)
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
Preparing the Meringue – Step by Step
1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Start by beating the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until they become glossy. This is when you add the sugar, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the meringue becomes firm and shiny.
2. Adding Cornstarch and Nuts: Sift the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch directly into the meringue, along with the chopped nuts. Carefully fold in using a spatula, in a gentle up-and-down motion, to avoid losing the incorporated air.
3. Forming the Meringue Layers: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (ideally also lined on the edges), use a piping bag or a bag with a small hole to create two circles with a diameter of 20 cm. Leave a space of 3-4 cm at the edges to allow the meringue to rise.
4. Baking the Meringue: Preheat the oven to 150°C and bake the meringue layers for about 2 hours. The meringue should be dry on the inside. If you have two trays, you can bake both layers simultaneously; otherwise, bake them one at a time.
Preparing the Creams – Step by Step
1. Egg Yolk Cream: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a smooth cream. Place the bowl over a bain-marie, add the milk, and stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
2. Incorporating the Butter: When the cream is ready, let it cool. In another bowl, beat the butter until fluffy, then add a tablespoon of the cooled egg yolk cream, mixing well. Finally, add the cocoa and mix until homogeneous.
3. Assembling the Cake: On a platter, place the first meringue layer, spreading some of the cream on top. Continue layering the meringue and cream until you’ve used all the ingredients, leaving some cream to cover the edges of the cake.
4. Decorations and Cooling: Personalize the cake according to your inspiration! You can use roasted nuts, grated chocolate, or anything else you desire. Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
Useful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
- Ensure that the bowl and utensils used for the egg whites are completely clean and dry to avoid any problems when whipping.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can lightly roast the nuts in the oven before adding them to the meringue.
- The Kiev cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or a strong espresso.
Nutritional Benefits
This delicious cake, although a dessert, also contains healthy ingredients like nuts, which are rich in protein and healthy fats. Each serving contains a mix of carbohydrates from sugar and protein from eggs, providing a high energy intake, but should be consumed in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of nuts?
Sure! You can experiment with almonds or pistachios, but the taste will be different.
2. How can I make the meringue fluffier?
Make sure that the egg whites are whipped well and that there are no traces of fat in the bowl.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend not decorating it before freezing to maintain optimal texture.
The Kiev cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that transports you through time and space. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Don’t hesitate to make it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!
Ingredients: for meringue: 4 egg whites, 200 g granulated sugar but not powdered, 2 cups of walnuts, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. for the cream: 150 ml milk, 4 egg yolks, 75-100 g sugar (depending on taste), 300 g butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa.
