Egyptian cake

Nut Cake with Vanilla Cream and Crunch

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 48 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you are looking for a dessert that impresses both in appearance and taste, this nut cake with vanilla cream and crunch is the perfect choice. Although it may seem like an ambitious project, I assure you that the steps are easy to follow and the result is worth every effort. This cake was the star of the New Year's party in 2016, and I can't wait to share its delicious recipe with you.

Ingredients

*For the layers (4 layers):*
- 12 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 8 tablespoons roasted, ground nuts

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 8 egg yolks
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 2.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 400 ml milk
- 5-6 drops vanilla essence
- 200 g butter

*For the whipped cream with crunch:*
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g walnut kernels, roasted and chopped
- 300 ml whipped cream

*For decoration:*
- Chopped roasted walnut kernels

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Layers
Start by roasting the nuts in a dry pan, being careful not to burn them. Let them cool, then finely grind them in a food processor.

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm meringue. Gently fold in the flour and ground nuts with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

Line a 24.5 cm round cake pan with parchment paper, pour in the mixture, and level it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 12 minutes, or until the layer becomes lightly golden. Repeat the process for the other 3 layers. Allow the layers to cool completely in the pan before removing them from the parchment paper.

2. Vanilla Cream
In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until frothy. Add the cornstarch, vanilla essence, and milk, stirring continuously. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow the cream to cool completely.

Once the cream has cooled, fold in the whipped butter, mixing until it becomes smooth and fine.

3. Whipped Cream with Crunch
Caramelize the sugar in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns golden. Add the roasted and chopped walnut kernels, quickly stirring to coat the nuts with sugar.

Pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, leveling it out, and let it cool completely. Once cooled, crush it finely and mix it with the whipped cream.

4. Assembly
Now that all the components are ready, let’s start assembling the cake! Place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of vanilla cream on it, then add a layer of whipped cream with crunch. Repeat this process with the other layers. The last layer will be topped with the remaining vanilla cream.

To finish the cake's appearance, spread the edges with vanilla cream and decorate with chopped walnut kernels and walnut crumble. If you have any whipped cream left, you can use it to decorate the cake as desired.

5. Cooling and Serving
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, preferably overnight, to set and blend the flavors. When you are ready to serve, cut it with a sharp knife to obtain beautiful, even slices.

Practical Tips
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them for a firmer meringue.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the creams.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a bit of rum or almond essence to the vanilla cream for a distinct note.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also a good source of nutrients due to the nuts, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. It also contains a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier choice than many other desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can it be made a few days in advance? Yes, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors become even more intense.
- Can I replace the nuts with other ingredients? Absolutely! You can use almonds or pistachios for a different version of the recipe.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A flavorful coffee or a fruit tea pair perfectly, but a sweet white wine can also be an excellent choice.

I hope you will try this wonderful recipe and that it will become a favorite in your family! Whether it's for a birthday, a celebration, or simply a gathering with friends, the nut cake with vanilla cream and crunch will leave an unforgettable impression. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: for a single layer: 3 egg whites a pinch of salt 3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon flour 2 heaping tablespoons of roasted, ground walnuts (we need 4 layers, so we will multiply the necessary quantities by 4) vanilla cream: 8 egg yolks 10 tablespoons sugar 2.5 tablespoons starch 400 ml milk 5-6 drops of vanilla essence 200 g butter whipped cream with crunch: 200 g sugar 150 g walnut kernels, roasted and chopped 300 ml whipped cream for decoration: walnut kernels, roasted and finely chopped

 Tags:  egyptian cake new year's cake cake recipe cake base cake cream new year's menu new year cake holiday cake birthday cake