L’Ardéchois is a rustic French cake that captures the essence of southern France. Made with chestnut flour and chestnut purée, this dense and flavorful cake has a unique nutty taste that’s complemented by a hint of rum. Simple to make yet indulgent, L’Ardéchois is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special dessert. The rich flavors of chestnut make this cake a true taste of the French countryside, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chestnut flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the Eggs and Milk: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and rum (if using), mixing until fully incorporated.
Add the Chestnut Purée: Gently fold in the chestnut purée (or spread) into the batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups (180g) chestnut flour
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
1/2 cup (100g) chestnut purée (or chestnut spread)
For Dusting:
Storage/Reheating: L’Ardéchois stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Freezing: L’Ardéchois freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/lardechois/