Ingredients
For the Layers
- 5 large eggs
- pinch of salt
- 180 grams (0.75 cups) sugar
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 100 milliliters (0.5 cups) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet vanilla
For the Cream
- 500 milliliters (2 cups) milk
- 150 grams (0.75 cups) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons flour (heaping)
- 1 packet vanilla
- 200 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150 grams (1.5 cups) walnuts, chopped
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly. Choose one with a non-slip base for added stability.
- Electric Mixer
This will save you a lot of time and effort, especially when beating the eggs and butter. Opt for a mixer with multiple speed settings.
- Saucepan
Needed for preparing the cream base. A heavy-bottomed one helps prevent burning.
- Baking Pans
Two round cake pans are ideal for baking the layers. Non-stick pans work best to prevent sticking.
- Whisk
For stirring the cream base until smooth. A silicone whisk can be gentler on your saucepan.
- Spatula
Useful for spreading the cream between layers. Choose one with a flexible tip for easier handling.
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Cream Base
Step 2
Prepare the Cream
Step 3
Prepare the Layers
Step 4
Assemble the Cake
Servings
- Warm Beverage Pairing ☕: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The nutty flavors of the cake pair wonderfully with a rich espresso or a fragrant Earl Grey.
- Fruit Garnish 🍓: Add a burst of color and freshness by garnishing it with fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are excellent choices.
- Ice Cream Combo 🍨: Go the extra mile with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream complements the creamy texture of the cake beautifully.
- Decoration Ideas 🎨: Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, add a few walnut halves, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an appealing finish. Get creative and make it your own!
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option 🌾: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it’s suitable for baking. Double-check that the baking soda is gluten-free too.
- Vegan Option 🌿: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water) and use almond milk instead of regular milk. Choose a plant-based butter and skip the honey, using maple syrup or another vegan sweetener instead.
Faq
- Why is my cake not rising properly?
Make sure you’re beating the eggs and sugar until really fluffy, and don’t skip the baking soda. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
- Can I use a hand whisk instead of an electric mixer?
You can, but it will require a lot more arm work. The electric mixer makes the process much easier and ensures a better texture.
- How do I make sure the cream is smooth?
Adding the cooled milk mixture to the beaten butter slowly, one spoonful at a time, helps prevent lumps. Make sure both the butter and milk mixture are at the correct temperature.
- Can I prepare the layers a day in advance?
Yes, you can bake the layers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day before assembling the cake.
- How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
Line the bottom of your baking pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This helps in easy removal of the cake layers once baked.
- Is it necessary to decorate the top with cake crumbs?
No, it’s not necessary, but it adds a lovely texture and presentation. You can also use grated chocolate or chopped nuts as an alternative.
