Egyptian cake

Nut Cake: A Sweet Indulgence for Guests

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 10-12

Who doesn’t love a nut cake? This nut cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends. It’s a dessert that combines the creamy flavor of a fine cream with airy layers and crunchy nuts. Plus, the recipe is easy to make, even for those who don’t have much experience in the kitchen.

A Brief History of Nut Cake

Nut cakes have a rich tradition in sweet cuisine, often prepared during festive moments. Nuts are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, and their combination with sweet creams has led to the creation of unforgettable desserts. This recipe will bring a touch of nostalgia and impress any guest.

Ingredients

For Layers:
- 6 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 120 g ground nuts

For Cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 300 ml milk
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 200 ml liquid cream

For Praline Nuts:
- 150 g sugar
- 200 g nuts

Preparing the Cream

1. Preparing the Cream: Start by mixing the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla essence, cornstarch, and milk in a pot. Place everything on low heat, stirring continuously. It’s essential not to let the cream boil, just to thicken, similar to a pudding.

2. Cooling the Cream: Once the cream has reached the desired consistency, let it cool completely. This is a crucial step, as hot cream would melt the butter, and the final texture would not be as desired.

3. Adding Butter and Whipped Cream: After the cream has cooled, incorporate the soft butter and whipped cream. Mix gently to retain air in the cream, which will give it a light and fluffy texture.

4. Preparing the Praline Nuts: In a saucepan, melt the sugar until it becomes caramel. Add the nuts and quickly stir to coat them evenly. Place the mixture on a baking sheet to cool, then crush it lightly with a rolling pin or in a food processor.

Preparing the Layers

1. Beating the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt or a few drops of lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until completely dissolved and a firm foam is obtained.

2. Adding Light Ingredients: Gently fold in the ground nuts mixed with flour. It’s important to use a spatula and mix in circular motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

3. Baking the Layers: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan with a removable bottom, 26 cm in diameter (you can also use a smaller pan, but the baking time will be longer). Bake each layer for about 20-25 minutes at 180°C or until golden. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the layer is ready.

4. Cooling the Layers: After baking, let the layers cool completely on a rack.

Assembling the Cake

1. Layering Cream and Layers: Place the first layer on a platter, spread a generous portion of cream, then add the second layer. Continue with the same procedure until all layers and cream are used.

2. Decorating: Finally, cover the entire cake with the remaining cream and decorate with the praline nuts. This adds not only a delicious taste but also a spectacular look to the cake.

3. Final Cooling: It is recommended to leave the cake in the fridge, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.

Serving

Serve this nut cake alongside a fragrant coffee or warm tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce can perfectly complement this delicious dessert.

Useful Tips

- Chocolate Variation: If you want to experiment, you can add 50 g of cocoa to the layer mixture for a chocolate flavor.
- Various Nuts: Instead of nuts, try using almonds or hazelnuts to change the texture and flavor.
- Helpers: Use an immersion blender to whip the cream if you have trouble achieving a firm foam.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of sugar?: Yes, brown sugar can add an interesting caramelized flavor.
- What if I don’t have vanilla essence?: You can use natural vanilla extract or even a little rum for a distinct note.
- How can I store the cake?: It keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 300 kcal
- Fats: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Proteins: 5 g

This nut cake is not just a treat but also a way to bring a touch of joy to every meal. So, don’t hesitate, put on your apron and let’s prepare together a dessert that will remain in everyone’s memories! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 3 Layers: 6 egg whites, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, 120 g ground walnuts. Cream: 6 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 vial of vanilla essence, 3 tablespoons of starch, 300 ml milk, 150 g butter, 200 ml liquid cream. Praline nuts: 150 g sugar, 200 g walnuts.

 Tags:  egyptian cake