Night Queen Dessert Cake

Night Queen Cake: A Dazzling Delight for Unforgettable Moments

The Night Queen Cake is a dessert that impresses not only with its sophisticated appearance but also with the combination of flavors and textures that delight every sense. This cake is truly a culinary royal treat, perfect for special occasions or simply to add a touch of elegance to an ordinary day.

Before we embark on the adventure of preparing this delicacy, let’s familiarize ourselves with the ingredients and necessary steps.

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Cake
- 100 g flour
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 100 g chopped walnuts
- 100 g dark chocolate
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g butter (or Rama margarine, as preferred)
- 100 g biscuits (enough to cover the tray)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Cream
- 300 ml milk
- 10 g gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 200 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 packet of Dr. Oetker Bourbon Vanilla Finess)
- 250 g butter (or Rama margarine)
- A pinch of salt

Glaze
- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 150 g sugar
- 70 ml water
- 40 g butter

A Brief History

Over time, layered cakes with cream and sponge have been highly appreciated in global gastronomy. The Night Queen is a modern reinterpretation of this classic concept, combining chocolate and vanilla flavors in a refined way that evokes the atmosphere of elegant evenings and sophisticated parties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s important to have a well-heated oven to achieve a perfectly risen cake.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the melted butter (or margarine) and the melted dark chocolate (you can use a double boiler to avoid burning the chocolate).

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, rum, and cocoa powder, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Egg whites: Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture using a spatula to avoid losing the air. Finally, add the chopped walnuts.

5. Baking the cake: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the cake mixture into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly. Place the biscuits over the cake batter, covering the entire surface. Pour the remaining mixture over the biscuits.

6. Enjoy the aromas in the oven: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Preparing the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and cover them for 10 minutes to rest.

2. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil with the sugar and the vanilla bean (or Finess Vanilla). Once the milk starts to boil, let it cool slightly.

3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm milk over the egg yolks and mix well. Place the mixture over a double boiler and cook for 15 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Adding the cornstarch: Add the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

5. Gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions and incorporate it into the warm cream. Allow the cream to cool slightly, then add the softened butter and whipped egg whites.

Step 3: Preparing the Glaze

1. Melting the chocolate: In a container, melt the chocolate together with the water, sugar, and butter. Stir until you achieve a smooth glaze.

2. Assembling the cake: Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half. Spread the cream between the two halves and pour the warm glaze on top.

3. Cooling: Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and improve the texture.

Serving and Suggestions

The Night Queen is served chilled, cut into squares or triangles, and for an extra touch of elegance, you can decorate each portion with a dollop of whipped cream or some fresh fruit. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fruit sorbet would perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Although this cake is a dessert, it can also offer some nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can support heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine for a more authentic taste.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and cream. You can also choose chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour for the cake.

4. What other flavors can I add?
You can try adding a hint of orange or lemon by including citrus zest in the vanilla cream.

This Night Queen cake recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also a way to enjoy special moments with loved ones. With every bite, you will bring smiles and joy, and each step in preparation will be an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 100 g flour, 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon rum, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 100 g ground walnuts, 100 g dark chocolate, a pinch of salt, 100 g butter (I used Rama margarine), 100 g biscuits, 2 tablespoons cocoa. Cream: 300 ml milk, 10 g gelatin, 2 tablespoons starch, 200 g sugar, 4 eggs, vanilla pod (I used Dr. Oetker's Finess-Vanille Bourbon), 250 g butter (I used Rama margarine), a pinch of salt. Glaze: 150 g cooking chocolate, 150 g sugar, 70 ml water, 40 g butter.

 Tags:  walnut cake vanilla cream cake queen of the night cake