Austrian Christmas baking is renowned for its warmth and delicious aromas that fill the kitchen with holiday joy. One classic treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit is the Haselnusstorte Hazelnut Cake. This delightful cake intricately blends the rich flavors of hazelnuts with a touch of sweetness, creating a decadent dessert that is sure to impress your guests during the holiday season.
Haselnusstorte Hazelnut Cake
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of roasted hazelnuts
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of milk
Instructions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, then set it aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, pulse the roasted hazelnuts until finely ground. Be careful not to over process and turn them into hazelnut butter.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for this step if you have one to ensure a smooth consistency.
5. Add the egg yolks one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
7. In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture too much.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve the Haselnusstorte Hazelnut Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy this delightful treat with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a truly festive experience.
This Haselnusstorte Hazelnut Cake is a lovely addition to any holiday gathering, with its rich nutty flavor and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a cozy winter brunch, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Austrian classic is sure to bring warmth and joy to your home during the festive season. Let the delightful scent of hazelnuts fill your kitchen as you bake this delicious cake for your loved ones to enjoy.
