Torta Makarana - Serbian Walnut Cake

Ingredients

• For the walnut sponge cake: For the walnut sponge cake:
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground walnuts 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground walnuts
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs 6 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the chocolate and walnut cream: For the chocolate and walnut cream:
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground walnuts 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground walnuts
• 200ml (1 cup) heavy cream 200ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• For the chocolate ganache: For the chocolate ganache:
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 200ml (1 cup) heavy cream 200ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Crushed walnuts Crushed walnuts

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugar: 22g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground walnuts, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and fold gently until just combined.
5. 5.
   Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate and walnut cream. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pan of simmering water. Let it cool slightly.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually add the melted chocolate and mix well.
10. 10.
    Fold in the ground walnuts and heavy cream until the cream is smooth and well combined.
11. 11.
    Once the cakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of the chocolate and walnut cream on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining cream.
12. 12.
    To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
13. 13.
    Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the ganache with a spatula.
14. 14.
    Sprinkle the crushed walnuts on top of the cake for garnish.
15. 15.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
16. 16.
    Slice and serve the Torta Makarana, and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Make sure to use fresh and high-quality walnuts for the best flavor and texture. Toasting the walnuts before grinding them can enhance their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense walnut flavor, you can add a few drops of walnut extract to the cake batter.
• To make the cake extra moist, brush each cake layer with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before assembling.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar in the chocolate and walnut cream.
• To achieve a smooth and glossy ganache, make sure to chop the chocolate into small pieces for easy melting.
• Allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve Torta Makarana as a delightful dessert after a hearty Serbian meal. It pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

To present the Torta Makarana beautifully, place the cake on a cake stand and dust the top with powdered sugar. Garnish the sides with whole walnuts for an elegant touch. Slice the cake into neat portions and serve on individual dessert plates.