Fruit cake with walnut base
Fruit and Nut Cake: A Recipe Full of Sweet Memories
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10
In the world of desserts, few things compare to a fruit cake, and this one, with a nut base and a burnt sugar glaze, is certainly a choice that will bring smiles to the faces of loved ones. This recipe is adapted from a family recipe, evoking childhood memories when every moment in the kitchen was an adventure full of flavors and joy. The cake combines the fluffy texture of the base with the juicy sweetness of the fruits, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 10 tablespoons cold water
- 1 baking powder
- 100 g ground nuts
- 200 g flour
For the glaze:
- 10 tablespoons sugar
For the filling:
- 4 clementines
- 3 pears
For the syrup:
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 250 ml water
Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 165°C (medium to low on gas). In a large bowl, beat the 4 whole eggs with 300 g sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential, as the air incorporated into the eggs will contribute to the airy texture of the base.
Gradually add the 10 tablespoons of cold water, two at a time, alternating with mixing. This will help maintain moisture and make the base softer.
Step 2: Combining dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine 200 g of flour, 1 baking powder, and 100 g of ground nuts. The nuts add not only a delicious taste but also a crunchy texture. Before adding them to the egg mixture, ensure they are well ground for even incorporation.
Step 3: Assembling the cake
After mixing the dry ingredients, gradually add them to the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed until you obtain a homogeneous batter.
Now, prepare a cake pan. You can use a springform pan, which will facilitate the removal of the cake after baking. Start by making a burnt sugar glaze: melt 10 tablespoons of sugar in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden. Once the sugar reaches the desired color, carefully pour it onto the sides of the pan, coating them well.
Step 4: Preparing the fruits
Peel the pears and remove the core, then slice them thinly. If you are a fruit lover, feel free to peel an extra one to enjoy its juicy flavor. Peel the clementines and separate them into segments. Mix the pears with the clementine segments, then place half of this mixture over the sugar glaze in the pan.
Step 5: Adding the base
Pour half of the batter over the fruits in the pan, then add the remaining fruits, covering them with the remaining batter. This will create a cake with delicious layers, with fruits that will melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Baking the cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the base is well risen and golden. You can do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 7: Preparing the syrup
While the cake is baking, prepare a syrup from 250 ml of water and 10 tablespoons of sugar, boiling them together until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can add rum or vanilla essence for extra flavor. This syrup will add moisture to the cake and enhance the flavor of the fruits.
Step 8: Inverting the cake
After the cake is baked, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a platter, allowing the syrup to flow over it. The burnt sugar glaze should give it an appetizing shine.
Serving suggestion
Serve the cake with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast between warm and cold. This addition will make the dessert even more decadent and will delight everyone's taste buds.
Tips and variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other fruits, such as apples or peaches, or replace the nuts with hazelnuts. Additionally, for an extra flavor boost, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, while fruits bring fiber and antioxidants. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed guilt-free, especially if consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with seasonal fruits like apples or peaches.
- How can I store the cake?
You can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water or with soy yogurt.
Whether you enjoy it on a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this fruit and nut cake will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Let the nostalgic aromas carry you away and enjoy every slice!
Ingredients: 4 eggs, 300 g sugar, 10 tablespoons water, 1 pinch of baking powder, 100 g ground walnuts, 200 g flour, 4 clementines, 3 pears, 10 tablespoons sugar for glaze, 10 tablespoons sugar for syrup, 250 ml water
