Cake May 3

3 May Cake with Walnut Base and Marzipan Flowers

When it comes to celebrations, a special cake is a must-have on our table. The 3 May cake, with its moist walnut base, decadent buttercream, and playful marzipan flower decorations, is the perfect choice to add a touch of magic to any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe will make you the star of the kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 7 tablespoons of finely chopped walnuts (not ground, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- a pinch of salt

For the buttercream:
- 200 g of butter (82% fat), at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of dark cocoa
- 1 tablespoon of bourbon vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of coffee

For the syrup:
- 500 ml of water
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar
- rum essence, to taste
- orange peel (optional, if you have it in a jar)

For the marzipan flowers:
- 1 pack of marzipan (at room temperature)
- Food coloring (optional, for vibrant decoration)

For decoration:
- 200 ml of liquid cream
- a few fresh strawberries
- marzipan flowers

Preparation:

1. Preparing the base: Start by separating the eggs. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy foam. Now, gently fold in the egg yolks.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, adding the finely chopped walnuts as well. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold, so you don’t lose the air in the mixture. This technique will ensure a fluffy and airy base.

3. Baking the base: Line a round baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test.

4. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until completely dissolved. Once it boils, remove from heat and add the rum essence. Let the syrup cool.

5. Creating marzipan flowers: While the base and syrup cool, take the marzipan and cut it into small pieces. Add a few drops of food coloring and knead well. Use kitchen utensils to form flowers. For example, use a knife to cut petals and a piping tip to create details.

6. Assembling the cake: After the base has cooled, cut it in half. Soak each layer with the rum syrup to make it moist and delicious. Prepare the buttercream by mixing the butter with sugar, vanilla sugar, cocoa, and coffee until it becomes a smooth cream. Spread the cream on the first layer of the base, adding a few slices of strawberries for extra freshness.

7. Decorating the cake: Cover the cake with the second layer of base, then frost it with whipped cream. Use the marzipan flowers for an elegant decoration and add fresh strawberries for a vibrant contrast.

8. Chilling and serving: Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will help firm up the cream and make the slices easier to cut.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, while strawberries provide a rich supply of vitamin C and fiber. Butter, although high in fat, adds a rich flavor and creamy texture, contributing to an unforgettable culinary experience.

Serving suggestions:

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a herbal tea. If you want to add a touch of elegance, try serving it alongside a glass of sweet wine.

Possible variations:

If you’re not a fan of marzipan, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream flowers or melted chocolate. Additionally, the base can be enhanced with citrus flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use ground walnuts instead of chopped walnuts?
While it’s possible, using finely chopped walnuts will provide a much more intense flavor. We strongly recommend following the original recipe.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

3. What other fruits can I use?
Besides strawberries, bananas or raspberries are excellent. They add extra flavor and color.

4. Is it possible to make the cake without sugar?
There are alternatives to natural sweeteners, but we recommend experimenting with moderation to avoid compromising the cake's texture.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create a special cake for your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 eggs; 5 tablespoons of sugar; 2 tablespoons of flour; 7 tablespoons of finely chopped walnuts, not ground; a pinch of baking powder; a teaspoon of salt. Cream: 1 pack of butter 82% fat (200 g); 3 tablespoons of sugar; 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa; 1 tablespoon of bourbon vanilla sugar; 1 teaspoon of coffee. Syrup: 500 ml of water; rum essence to taste; 4-5 tablespoons of sugar; Orange peel (kept in sugar in a jar). Marzipan flowers: 1 pack of marzipan (at room temperature); Food coloring; Decoration: a few strawberries; 200 ml of liquid cream; marzipan flowers.

 Tags:  walnut cake marzipan flowers