Nut and coffee cake
Walnut and coffee cake: a holiday delicacy
Preparation time: 30 minutes Baking time: 30-35 minutes Total time: 1 hour Number of servings: 12-16 servings
If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly combines the intense flavor of roasted walnuts with the rich taste of coffee, then the walnut and coffee cake is the ideal choice! This cake has become a favorite in many households, especially during the holidays, but it can be enjoyed anytime you crave a sweet treat with character. The origins of this cake are lost in the mists of time, but there is no doubt that it has become a symbol of joy and conviviality, often associated with family gatherings and festive meals.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 16 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 eggs
- 16 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of coffee (instant)
- 150 g of melted margarine (we recommend Rama with rum for a special taste)
- 250 g of walnuts (roasted and ground)
For the cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of coffee
- 750 ml of milk
- 300 g of margarine (at room temperature)
- 300 g of sugar
For decoration (optional):
- Whipped egg whites or whipped cream, as preferred
Preparing the cake
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the margarine is at room temperature to incorporate better into the mixture. If you choose to use egg whites for decoration, prepare a clean and dry bowl to whip them.
2. Roasting the walnuts: In a skillet, roast the walnuts over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The aroma of roasted walnuts will add extra flavor to your cake. Once cooled, coarsely grind the walnuts to achieve a pleasant texture in the cake.
3. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a frothy and light-colored mixture. Add the water and mix well. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and coffee. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula.
4. Adding the margarine and walnuts: Pour the melted (but cooled) margarine over the base mixture and mix well. Add the ground walnuts and homogenize everything. This step is essential to achieve a rich and flavorful texture.
5. Baking the base: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or grease it well with butter. Pour the base mixture into the tray and level it with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the base cool completely.
6. Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, flour, and coffee. Heat the milk in another saucepan, then gradually add the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the cream over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Let the cream cool.
7. Assembling the cake: Once the cream has cooled, incorporate the margarine until homogeneous. Place the cooled base with the walnut side up, then spread the cream evenly on top. If you choose to use whipped egg whites, you can add them on top of the cream now for a lighter appearance.
8. Serving: The cake can be left in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing it to firm up a bit and be easier to cut. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a complete experience. You can also add some roasted walnuts on top for a more decorative appearance.
Useful tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts (almonds or hazelnuts) to change the flavor of the cake. Also, instead of coffee, you can use cocoa for a more chocolatey base.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This cake is rich in healthy fats from walnuts, which contain protein and omega-3 fatty acids. In a 100 g serving, the cake has approximately 400-450 calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use butter instead of margarine?* Yes, butter can provide a richer flavor.
- *How can I make the cake less sweet?* You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream while adjusting the proportions of the ingredients accordingly.
This walnut and coffee cake is not just a dessert; it is a true culinary experience, full of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Don't forget to share the delightful result with your loved ones, as the joy of cooking is even greater when shared! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 8 eggs, 6 egg yolks, 22 tablespoons sugar + 300 g, 22 tablespoons flour, 8 tablespoons water, 1 baking powder, 1 vanilla sugar, 4 tablespoons coffee, 750 ml milk, 250 g walnuts, 450 g margarine. The quantities are for a large baking tray.
