Gâteau nantais

Gâteau nantais is a traditional French cake originating from the city of Nantes. It is a rich, moist cake made with almonds, rum, and sugar, and is typically covered with a layer of white icing.

History

The Gâteau nantais was first created in the 18th century, during the height of the Atlantic slave trade. The city of Nantes was a major port for the trade, and the cake was made using ingredients that were brought back from the Caribbean, such as rum and sugar. The cake quickly became popular in the city and is still a staple of Nantes cuisine today.

Preparation

To prepare a Gâteau nantais, butter and sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy. Eggs are then added one at a time, followed by ground almonds and a generous amount of rum. The mixture is poured into a cake tin and baked until golden and firm to the touch. Once cooled, the cake is covered with a layer of white icing made from icing sugar and rum.

Variations

While the traditional Gâteau nantais is made with almonds, rum, and sugar, there are many variations of the cake. Some recipes include chocolate, coconut, or other types of nuts. There are also versions of the cake that are made without alcohol, making them suitable for children and those who do not consume alcohol.

See also

• French cuisine
• List of French desserts
• Nantes