Crumble with quince jam and walnuts

Crumble with Quince Jam and Nuts: A Winter Delicacy

When winter makes its presence felt, and jars of jam wait to be used, nothing is more comforting than a crumble with quince jam and nuts. This recipe will not only warm you up with its delicious aroma but will also remind you of family moments when fruits were carefully preserved to be enjoyed during winter. Let's embark together on the delightful process of creating this dessert, step by step!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 200 gr butter (make sure it's at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 2 tablespoons solid lard (this will give a unique crumbly texture)
- 3 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 6 tablespoons yogurt (Greek yogurt is an excellent choice for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 800 gr + 2 tablespoons flour (type 000 for a finer dough)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Vanilla essence (about 1 teaspoon)
- A pinch of salt
- 150 gr chopped walnuts (do not grind too finely, leave larger pieces for texture)
- 400 gr quince jam (preferably homemade)

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by mixing the butter with the lard in a large bowl. Use a mixer or a spatula to cream them together with the sugar until you achieve a fluffy cream. This is where the magic begins, and the flavors blend!

Add the egg yolks and mix well. In another bowl, put the yogurt and mix it with the baking soda and baking powder. This will start to foam up, so don’t waste time and quickly add it to the butter mixture.

Step 2: Combining the Ingredients

Add a pinch of salt and the vanilla essence, then gradually incorporate the flour (the 800 gr). Use the mixer until the mixture becomes firmer, then switch to kneading with your hands, which should be lightly floured. The dough will not be very stiff, and it’s normal for it to stick a little to your hands.

Set aside a piece of dough the size of a tennis ball and add the two tablespoons of flour, kneading well. Wrap this piece in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for later.

Step 3: Spreading the Dough in the Pan

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease the edges with butter or oil. Spread the remaining dough in the tray, pressing it evenly. A useful trick is to wet your hands with a little oil to spread it more easily. Let it sit in the tray for 10-15 minutes, just until the piece of dough from the freezer becomes firm.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling

Meanwhile, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until a firm foam forms. Add the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are not ground too finely; you want to feel the texture in the dessert. You can add the quince jam directly into the mixture or spread it evenly over the dough in the tray – choose the option you like best!

Step 5: Assembling and Baking

Pour the walnut and jam mixture over the dough in the tray, leveling it well. Then, grate the piece of dough from the freezer on top to create a crispy layer.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and tempting.

Step 6: Serving

Once the dessert has completely cooled, it will become crumbly and delicious due to the lard and baking soda. You can dust it with a little vanilla sugar for an elegant look. Serve it alongside a scoop of yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast.

Chef's Tip

If you want to add a touch of originality to this crumble, try replacing the quince jam with other fruit jams, such as apricot or raspberry jam. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to enhance its flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This dessert contains nutritious ingredients like walnuts, which are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and fiber. Yogurt adds a source of probiotics, beneficial for digestive health. Additionally, quince jam is full of antioxidants, making this crumble not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can replace the butter with coconut or olive oil, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I keep the crumble fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to make the dessert without sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners, but make sure to follow the specific usage instructions for each product.

In conclusion, the crumble with quince jam and nuts is a simple dessert to prepare, yet it has a significant impact on taste. It will bring you joy on cold winter days and can become a favorite in your family. So, dress warmly, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the flavors and textures of this wonderful dessert. Happy cooking and enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200 g butter, 2 tablespoons solid lard, 3 eggs, 6 tablespoons sugar, 6 tablespoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 800 g + 2 tablespoons flour, vanilla essence, salt, 1 packet baking powder, 150 g chopped walnuts, 400 g quince jam

 Tags:  jam cake walnut cake