Gâteau Alexandra

Gâteau Alexandra Recipe - Traditional French Chocolate and Almond Cake

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Gâteau Alexandra is a delicious and decadent French cake that is perfect for any special occasion. This cake is made with a combination of cornstarch, flour, powdered sugar, butter, ground almonds, chocolate, eggs, vanilla sugar, baking powder, rum, and apricot preserves. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Gâteau Alexandra is a traditional French cake that has been enjoyed for generations. This cake is named after Alexandra Feodorovna, the wife of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia. It is said that this cake was one of Alexandra's favorite desserts, and it quickly became popular throughout Europe.

Ingredients

80 g of cornstarch
20 g of flour
120 g of powdered sugar
75 g of butter
75 g of ground almonds
100 g of chocolate
4 eggs
1 packet of vanilla sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1 to 2 tbsp of rum
0.5 jar of apricot preserves

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, sugars, baking powder, and almonds. Add beaten eggs, melted butter, melted chocolate, 2-3 spoonsful of water, and rum.
Mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
Transfer the dough into a cake pan and bake in a preheated medium oven for approximately 45 minutes.
Remove the cake from the pan while still warm, and once cooled, glaze it with the apricot preserves.

Variations

You can customize Gâteau Alexandra by adding different types of nuts or fruits to the batter. You can also experiment with different flavors of preserves for the glaze.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and flour your cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even batter.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan to prevent it from falling apart.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Gâteau Alexandra is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a perfect Gâteau Alexandra is to mix the ingredients thoroughly and bake the cake at the right temperature for the right amount of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground almonds, you can substitute with almond flour. You can also use a different type of preserves for the glaze if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

Gâteau Alexandra can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish Gâteau Alexandra with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Gâteau Alexandra pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Gâteau Alexandra can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cake in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gâteau Alexandra contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gâteau Alexandra contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gâteau Alexandra contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gâteau Alexandra contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gâteau Alexandra is a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

Gâteau Alexandra contains nuts, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Gâteau Alexandra is a delicious cake that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron. However, it contains nuts, eggs, and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies.

Summary

Gâteau Alexandra is a delicious and decadent French cake that is perfect for any special occasion. This cake is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Gâteau Alexandra. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wise woman, with a passion for creating delicious dishes that brought joy to our family gatherings.

One day, as I watched my grandmother in the kitchen, I noticed her taking out a tattered old recipe book from the cupboard. Curious, I asked her what she was making. She smiled and told me that she was going to make a special cake called Gâteau Alexandra. She explained that it was a recipe she had learned from a dear friend many years ago, and that it was always a hit at parties and celebrations.

As she began to gather the ingredients and walk me through the steps of the recipe, I was captivated by the way she moved with such grace and confidence in the kitchen. I watched as she measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, and mixed them together to create a smooth batter. She added in eggs, vanilla extract, and a hint of lemon zest, explaining that these ingredients would give the cake a rich and flavorful taste.

As the cake baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. The sweet smell of vanilla and lemon filled the kitchen, and I knew that this cake was going to be something special. When it was finally done, my grandmother pulled it out of the oven and let it cool on the counter. She then dusted it with powdered sugar and sliced it into generous portions for us to enjoy.

I took a bite of the Gâteau Alexandra and was instantly transported to a world of pure bliss. The cake was moist and tender, with a delicate crumb that practically melted in my mouth. The flavors of vanilla and lemon danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more with each bite. I knew right then and there that this recipe was something I had to learn how to make on my own.

Over the years, I practiced making Gâteau Alexandra countless times, perfecting the technique and adjusting the ingredients to suit my own taste. I experimented with different flavor combinations, adding in fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache to give the cake a modern twist. Each time I made the cake, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with the delicate flavors and irresistible texture of Gâteau Alexandra. They marveled at how such a simple cake could bring so much joy and happiness to those who tasted it. I was touched by their praise and grateful for the opportunity to spread the love and warmth of my grandmother's recipe to others.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on those precious memories, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and bring us closer to those we love. The recipe for Gâteau Alexandra will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the time spent learning and creating in the kitchen with my grandmother. And I hope that one day, I will be able to pass on this recipe to future generations, so that they too can experience the joy and magic of baking a delicious cake from scratch.