Nothing beats the delightful aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through your home, especially when it’s as delicious and straightforward as this Nut Cake. This recipe is perfect for when you crave something sweet but don’t have much time. With a soft, nutty texture and a rich chocolate coating, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that you can whip up in just 10 minutes of preparation time!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 package baking powder (about 15 g)
- 1 cup milk (240 ml)
- 230 g butter, softened
- 4 eggs, separated
- 180 g sugar (¾ cup)
- 120 g flour (1 cup)
- 320 g ground hazelnuts (about 2½ cups)
For the Icing
- 1 bar of dark chocolate coating (about 100 g or 3.5 oz)
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 12 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Dough
a. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar and the 4 egg yolks until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake will be soft and airy.
b. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
c. Incorporate Milk and Hazelnuts:
Pour in the milk and mix well until fully combined. Then, add the ground hazelnuts, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
d. Beat and Fold in Egg Whites:
In a separate, clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula. This step adds air to the mixture, making the cake lighter and fluffier.
2. Prepare the Cake Tin
a. Grease and Coat the Tin:
Grease a 28 cm (11-inch) loaf tin thoroughly with butter. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs to create a non-stick layer. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the tin during baking.
3. Bake the Cake
a. Baking Time:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 50 to 60 minutes. If you notice that the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
b. Check for Doneness:
To check if the cake is fully baked, insert a skewer into the center. The cake is done when the skewer comes out clean, with no traces of raw batter.
4. Cool and Ice the Cake
a. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 15 minutes. Carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
b. Melt the Chocolate Coating:
Melt the dark chocolate coating in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth and glossy.
c. Apply the Chocolate Icing:
Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Let the chocolate set before slicing the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious nut cake as a dessert, with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a quick yet impressive dessert.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in creating a smooth batter and a lighter cake.
- Do Not Overmix: When folding in the egg whites, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the air you’ve whipped into the egg whites, leading to a denser cake.
- Storing the Cake: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy this quick and easy nut cake, a delightful treat that’s ready in a flash but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
