Jump to delicious Romanian Amandine recipe!
What is the Romanian dish Amandine?
Amandine, a Romanian delicacy, is a decadent chocolate cake that evokes memories of childhood and indulgence. Its rich and creamy layers, consisting of a soft and tender sponge cake, a luscious chocolate or almond filling, a sweet syrup infused with the warm and heady aroma of rum, and a glossy and indulgent glaze made of smooth, melted chocolate and whipped cream, promise to tantalize your taste buds.
Every bite of this confectionary wonder reveals a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your tongue. The sponge cake, made with delicate, fluffy eggs, sugar, water, flour, oil, and the finest cocoa, serves as the perfect canvas for the rich and velvety filling. Whether it’s a sinfully rich chocolate buttercream, crafted with eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cocoa, or a delicate almond cream, each filling is a masterpiece in its own right.
The syrup, made by simmering water, sugar, and rum, adds a sweet and boozy note that balances the rich and creamy flavors of the cake. It seeps into the sponge cake, infusing every bite with its sweet and intoxicating aroma. The glaze, made by melting chocolate and whipping cream, serves as the cherry on top, enveloping the entire cake in a smooth and glossy coat that cracks satisfyingly with each bite.
Amandine has been a staple in Romanian confectioneries since the 1960s, and its timeless appeal has made it a beloved dessert across generations. It’s usually decorated with a swirl of the cream and a thin, diamond-shaped chocolate piece on top, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, Amandine is sure to leave a lasting impression on your senses.
What are the origins and history of the Romanian dish Amandine?
The history of the Romanian dish “Amandine” is not well documented, but it has been a popular dessert in Romanian confectioneries since the 1960s. The exact origin of the cake is unknown, but it is believed to have been influenced by European baking traditions, with a distinct Romanian twist. The cake has since become a staple in Romanian cuisine and has gained a reputation for its rich and indulgent flavors, and its timeless appeal. Despite its long history, the cake continues to evolve and there are now many variations and variations of the recipe, each with its own unique twist.
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What are some dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish Amandine?
There are several dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish “Amandine”. Some of these include:
- French Gateau Opera: A French classic, Gateau Opera is a layered cake made of sponge cake, coffee syrup, ganache, and buttercream. It is often compared to Amandine due to its rich and indulgent flavors.
- German Black Forest Cake: This German classic is a chocolate sponge cake filled with cherries and whipped cream, and topped with chocolate shavings. Like Amandine, it is a decadent and rich dessert that is a staple in German cuisine.
- Italian Tiramisu: A popular Italian dessert, Tiramisu is a layered dessert made of ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and espresso. While it is not a cake, it is often compared to Amandine due to its rich and creamy flavors.
- Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake: A rich and indulgent dessert, Belgian Chocolate Mousse Cake is made of layers of chocolate mousse and sponge cake, and is often topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. Like Amandine, it is a staple in Belgian cuisine and is a popular dessert option.
These are just a few examples of similar dishes from other countries. The exact similarities between Amandine and these other desserts will vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
Vegetarian & Vegan options
Is the Romanian dish Amandine vegetarian? If not, can it be made vegetarian?
Yes, Amandine is vegetarian, as it contains no meat.
Is the Romanian dish Amandine vegan? If not, can it be made vegan?
Traditional Romanian “Amandine” is not vegan as it typically contains ingredients such as eggs, butter, and cream. However, it is possible to make a vegan version of the cake by using vegan substitutes for these ingredients.
For example, instead of eggs, you can use flax or chia seeds as a binding agent. Vegan butter and whipped cream can be made from plant-based ingredients such as coconut oil or soy milk. The sponge cake and syrup can be made using traditional ingredients, but it is important to check that they do not contain any animal-derived products.
Keep in mind that while these substitutions can make the cake suitable for a vegan diet, they may affect the flavor and texture of the finished product. It may take some experimentation to find the right balance of ingredients to make a vegan Amandine that is both delicious and true to the original.
Traditional Romanian Amandine Recipe
Amandine is a traditional Romanian chocolate cake that is filled with either chocolate or almond cream. This rich and indulgent cake is made up of four components – the sponge cake, syrup, filling, and glaze – which come together to create a dessert that is both classic and timeless.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10 people
Ingredients:
Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup rum
Filling (Chocolate Buttercream):
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Glaze:
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Preparation:
- Begin by making the sponge cake. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the water, flour, oil, and cocoa powder, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a 9-inch springform pan that has been greased and floured. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar and heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the rum.
- Once the cake is done, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak into the cake. Let the cake cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the butter, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder, and beat until well combined.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Spread the chocolate buttercream over the top of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- To make the glaze, heat the chopped chocolate and heavy whipping cream together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it over the cake, spreading it evenly over the top and sides.
- Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze to set. Decorate the top of the cake with a bit of whipped cream and a thin, diamond-shaped chocolate piece, if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 810
- Fat: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
This classic Romanian dessert is the perfect indulgence for special occasions or for a sweet treat after a meal. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent experience. Enjoy!
More Amandine Recipes (in the Romanian language)
Amandine reteta originala de cofetarie – prajitura Amandina |
Prajitura amandina / Amandine facute in casa |
Prajitura Amandina |