Recipe Overview 🍽️
This chestnut cream cake is a rich and creamy dessert with a delicate chestnut flavor, perfect for lovers of autumn and winter tastes. It is often prepared for festive occasions or family meals, as its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweetness make it a comforting dessert.
| Prep Time | Total | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Min | 1 Hr (including baking) | 8 servings |
History of the Recipe ✍️
Chestnut cream is a specialty of southern France, particularly in the Ardèche region, where chestnuts are abundant. Originally created to extend the shelf life of chestnuts, it has become a key ingredient in many desserts. The chestnut cream cake is especially loved for its unique flavor and smooth texture, making it a popular choice for those seeking a delightful and distinctive treat. Its rich, nutty taste pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, such as whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients 🛒
listed in the order of use in the procedure:
- 500 g chestnut cream
- 100 g melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Icing sugar for decoration (optional)
Steps (How to Make ) 🥣
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a cake pan.
- Mix the chestnut cream and butter: In a large bowl, mix the chestnut cream and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the eggs: Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt, then add them to the chestnut cream mixture. Mix gently to avoid lumps.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes. Check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick: it should come out slightly damp for a soft cake.
- Cool and decorate: Let the cake cool before unmolding. Dust with icing sugar for a final touch, if desired.
Chef Tips 👨🍳
- For a more intense chestnut flavor, add some pieces of candied chestnuts into the batter. You can also use a silicone mold for easy unmolding.
Possible Variations 🎭
- Chocolate-Chestnut Cake: Add 100 g of melted dark chocolate to the batter for a perfect pairing of chocolate and chestnuts.
- Chestnut and Walnut Cake: Add chopped walnuts for a textured contrast.
- Chestnut and Vanilla Cake: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a soft and aromatic note.
Bake Time 🔥
Baking the chestnut cream cake takes about 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake is cooked evenly, allowing the rich, creamy texture and delicate chestnut flavor to fully develop. During baking, the aroma of chestnuts fills the air, enhancing the anticipation of the delightful dessert. Once done, the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, indicating that it is ready to be enjoyed.
How to Store 🥡
How to Store the Chestnut Cream Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. If it’s hot, you can keep it in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life of the Chestnut Cream Cake
The cake keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Food and Drink Pairings 🥂
This Chestnut Cream Cake pairs very well with black tea or strong coffee, which will enhance the sweetness of the chestnut cream.
Presentation Suggestion 🍽️
Serve this cake with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a visual and flavorful effect. Some crumbled candied chestnuts can be added for a festive presentation.
Why It’s Healthy 💚
Chestnut cream contains fiber and minerals, including potassium. Chestnuts are also a source of natural energy thanks to their complex carbohydrates, making this a nourishing dessert, especially in winter. This nutritional profile adds to the appeal of the chestnut cream cake, providing not only a delightful taste but also health benefits that can help sustain energy levels and overall well-being during the colder months.
Nutritional Value (per serving) .
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g