Arabian Hazelnut Cake

Ingredients

In the original Italian Torta Elvezia, the cake is typically made with almonds and flavored with vanilla. However, in this Arabian adaptation, we have replaced the almonds with hazelnuts to give it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we have incorporated traditional Arab spices like cardamom and cinnamon to infuse the cake with the warm and aromatic notes characteristic of Arab cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Torta Elvezia, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (120g) ground hazelnuts 1 cup (120g) ground hazelnuts
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Crushed hazelnuts, for garnish Crushed hazelnuts, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground hazelnuts, granulated sugar, baking powder, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hazelnuts — Toast the hazelnuts before grinding them to enhance their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before grinding.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, increase the amount to 1 ½ teaspoons.
• To make the cake more festive, decorate the top with edible rose petals or chopped pistachios.

Serving advice

Serve the Arabian Hazelnut Cake as a dessert after a delicious Arabian feast. It pairs well with a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or a refreshing mint tea.

Presentation advice

Present the Arabian Hazelnut Cake on a decorative cake stand or platter. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts around the edges for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few whole hazelnuts for a visually appealing presentation.