Polish Chocolate & Walnut Cake

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1:

   Heat the oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3½.

2. 2
   Step 2:

   Line a 30 x 22cm shallow baking tin with baking parchment.

3. 3
   Step 3:

   Sift the flour and mix it with cocoa, then set aside.

4. 4
   Step 4:

   Beat the egg whites until stiff.

5. 5
   Step 5:

   Add the sugar to the egg whites in small batches.

6. 6
   Step 6:

   Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking constantly.

7. 7
   Step 7:

   Add the flour mixture and gently fold everything together with a spatula.

8. 8
   Step 8:

   Pour the prepared batter into the lined tin.

9. 9
   Step 9:

   Bake for 35 minutes.

   35 min
10. 10
    Step 10:

    Cool for 5 minutes, remove the sponge from the tin, and re-line the tin with baking parchment.

    5 min
11. 11
    Step 11:

    To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites until stiff.

12. 12
    Step 12:

    Gradually whisk in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the meringue is stiff and shiny.

13. 13
    Step 13:

    Fold in the finely chopped walnuts, flour, and potato starch.

14. 14
    Step 14:

    Spread the mixture into the re-lined tin and bake for 40 minutes at the same heat.

    40 min
15. 15
    Step 15:

    Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

16. 16
    Step 16:

    For the chocolate glaze, heat the cream over low heat, then remove it from the heat.

17. 17
    Step 17:

    Pour the chopped chocolate into the cream and mix until melted and shiny.

18. 18
    Step 18:

    Cut the cooled chocolate sponge cake and meringue into two layers.

19. 19
    Step 19:

    Put the nut meringue on top of the bottom layer of sponge and sprinkle with some reserved walnuts.

20. 20
    Step 20:

    Add another layer of meringue, then the upper layer of chocolate sponge cake, and cover the top with chocolate glaze.

21. 21
    Step 21:

    Decorate with walnuts.

22. 22
    Step 22:

    Put the finished cake in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving.

    1–2 h