Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate

Romanian Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate Recipe - Delicious & Authentic

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

This delicious Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate recipe is a perfect combination of rich flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The buttery cake is studded with crunchy walnuts and decadent chocolate, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

History

The origins of this recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have been passed down through generations of home cooks who appreciate the simple yet indulgent flavors of butter, walnuts, and chocolate. This cake is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet and nutty treat.

Ingredients

1 lb (500 g) of butter
1 lb (500 g) of confectioner's sugar
100 walnuts, shelled and ground
juice from 1 lemon and a little lemon peel
1 egg
10 oz (300 g) of grated chocolate or 50 g of cacao
butter and breadcrumbs to grease and dust the pan

How to prepare

Cream the butter with the sugar. Then, add the beaten egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon peel, grated or melted chocolate (mixed with 1 tbsp hot water). Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites and walnuts.
Ensure that the baking pan is thoroughly buttered and sprinkled with fine bread crumbs.
Bake at medium heat for 20 – 25 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the oven and cut into squares, rectangles, or diamonds.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the batter for a boozy twist.
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the cake with a chocolate ganache for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender and moist cake.

- Be sure to fold in the whipped egg whites gently to maintain the cake's light and airy texture.

- Grease and dust the baking pan with breadcrumbs to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure an easy release.

- Bake the cake at a medium heat to ensure even cooking and a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

- Folding in the whipped egg whites gently to maintain the cake's light texture.

- Baking the cake at a medium heat for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

- Swap out the walnuts for pistachios or hazelnuts for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate on a decorative platter garnished with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

This Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

This Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a sweet treat that will satisfy any craving.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cake with Walnuts and Chocolate. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Margaret who lived on the other side of town. As I entered her cozy kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and she wasted no time in offering me a slice of the most delicious cake I had ever tasted. It was moist, rich, and bursting with the flavors of walnuts and chocolate. I was in culinary heaven.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, but she just chuckled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down through the generations. However, she promised to teach me how to make it, as long as I promised to keep the tradition alive and pass it on to my own family one day.

And so, every Tuesday afternoon for the next month, I would make my way to Margaret's kitchen, armed with a notebook and a ready appetite. She patiently guided me through the steps, sharing tips and tricks that only a seasoned baker would know.

I learned that the key to a perfect cake with walnuts and chocolate lies in the quality of the ingredients. Margaret insisted on using only the finest butter, eggs, flour, sugar, walnuts, and chocolate. She stressed the importance of measuring everything precisely and mixing the batter with care and attention.

But perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned from Margaret was the importance of patience and love in the kitchen. She taught me that baking is not just a science, but an art form that requires time, dedication, and a genuine passion for creating something beautiful and delicious.

As the weeks went by, my skills in the kitchen improved, and I began to feel more confident in my abilities. Margaret beamed with pride as she watched me mix, pour, and bake the cake with walnuts and chocolate all on my own. And when the timer went off and I pulled the cake out of the oven, it was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction.

I will never forget the day when Margaret declared that I was ready to make the cake on my own, without her supervision. It was a bittersweet moment, as I realized that our weekly baking sessions would soon come to an end. But I knew that I was ready to carry on the tradition and share this delicious recipe with my own family.

And so, armed with the knowledge and skills that Margaret had passed on to me, I set out to make the cake with walnuts and chocolate in my own kitchen. As the scent of baking cake filled the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

When the cake was finally done and I took that first bite, I knew that Margaret's recipe was truly a treasure. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy walnuts, and moist cake was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I sat at my kitchen table, savoring every bite of the cake with walnuts and chocolate, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Margaret's generosity and wisdom. She had given me more than just a recipe – she had given me a gift that would last a lifetime.

And so, as I passed on the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I made sure to tell them the story of how I learned to make the cake with walnuts and chocolate from my dear friend Margaret. I knew that her legacy would live on through each delicious bite of that heavenly cake.