Tyrolean Cake

The Tyrolean Cake, or Tiroler Cake, is a dessert that comes from the Tyrol region. It is known for its rich chocolate and hazelnut flavor. Here I provide you with a classic version of the cake, with a light Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 150 g softened butter
• 150 g sugar
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 packet of vanillin
• 250 g dark chocolate
• 100 g finely chopped hazelnuts
• 6 egg whites
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for decorating
• Butter and flour for the pan

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare a cake pan by buttering and flouring it.
2. Cream the softened butter with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy mixture.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to work the mixture.
4. Incorporate the vanillin.
5. Melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave and let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the butter and egg yolk mixture.
6. Add the finely chopped hazelnuts to the mixture.
7. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt and gently fold them into the mixture, stirring from the bottom up to avoid deflating the mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then unmold it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

Curiosities

Chocolate and hazelnuts are a classic pairing in pastry, especially in traditional Tyrolean and Piedmontese recipes, where IGP hazelnuts like those from the Langhe are particularly prized. This cake is a perfect example of how two simple ingredients can create such a rich and memorable flavor.