Chocolate Walnut Brownie Cake

This indulgent chocolate walnut brownie cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and crunchy walnuts, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. With its moist texture and flavorful base, it promises to deliver a satisfying dessert experience. The combination of dark chocolate and walnuts creates a balanced taste, complemented by a buttery undertone. This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers and provides a great opportunity to experiment with different textures. The simple ingredients allow for a quick preparation process, making it an accessible recipe even for beginner bakers. Incorporating walnuts adds a nice crunch, offsetting the rich chocolate flavor. Serve it slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. This cake can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether for a casual get-together or a formal dinner, this brownie cake is bound to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 g dark chocolate (70%)
• 250 g sugar
• 125 g flour
• 100 g walnuts (more can be added)
• 200 g butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 3 eggs

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes (Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 40 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out to ensure efficiency during cooking.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, ensuring it melts smoothly without burning. Stir occasionally.
3. Once the chocolate has melted, add the butter to the mix. Continue stirring until the butter fully incorporates with the chocolate, creating a smooth mixture.
4. While the chocolate and butter are melting, separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with the sugar in one bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This will provide volume and lightness to the cake.
6. Once the butter and chocolate have melted, allow them to cool slightly before combining.
7. Mix the chocolate mixture with the beaten egg yolks gradually, ensuring a smooth consistency.
8. Chop the walnuts roughly and fold them into the chocolate and egg mixture.
9. Sift the flour into the mixture to avoid lumps and stir gently until combined.
10. Carefully incorporate the stiff egg whites into the chocolate batter by folding them in. This preserves the fluffiness of the cake.
11. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes. The cake should have a firm edge but still be moist in the center.
13. Once baked, let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan.
14. Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
15. Slice the cake into squares and serve slightly warm or cooled.

Tips

• For a deeper flavor, consider using extra dark chocolate.
• If walnuts are not preferred, pecans or almonds can be used as substitutes.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature before whipping for best results.
• The cake texture improves if allowed to rest overnight, enhancing the flavors.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with almond or coconut flour.
• Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
• Incorporate a few tablespoons of cranberries or cherry preserve for added sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
• Pair with a hot espresso or a glass of port for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Best Places

• Baked NYC - A popular bakery known for its classic American desserts. Location: 359 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
• Ladro Roasting - A cozy café ideal for enjoying pastries with coffee. Location: 1800 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, Washington, USA.
• Ladurée Paris Champs-Élysées - Famous for its pastries and luxurious setting. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Harrods Tea Rooms - A quintessential British experience in Knightsbridge. Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London, UK.
• SÖG - A hidden gem with a Scandinavian vibe within Reykjavik. Location: Skòlavoroustigur 52, Reykjavik, Iceland.
• Café Savoy - A historic café offering classic European desserts. Location: Vítězná 124/5, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Caffé Gambrinus - A picturesque stop for desserts in the heart of Naples. Location: Via Chiaia, 1/2, Naples, Italy.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - An elegant venue rooted in tradition with exquisite cakes. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
• The Cake Merchant - Offers a unique take on traditional desserts. Location: 240 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest, Sydney, Australia.
• Mistral Café - Known for its artistic presentation of sweet treats. Location: 37 rue Saint-André des Arts, Paris, France.