Lenten dessert cake with jam and walnuts

The dessert we will prepare today is a vegan cake with jam and walnuts, a recipe that reminds us of simpler times when ingredients were carefully selected, and each bite was more than just a culinary pleasure. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, inspired by times when margarine was preferred for economic reasons, but it gained popularity due to its delicious taste and the tender texture it imparts to cakes.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed for the dough:
- 325 grams of white flour
- 100 grams of ground walnuts
- 175 grams of margarine
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of fine salt
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 50 ml of mineral water
- 125 grams of granulated sugar
- juice from ½ lemon

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 jar of quince jam (300-350 grams)
- 100 grams of coarsely chopped walnuts

Preparation of the cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the margarine is at room temperature for even mixing. If using quince jam, check that it is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the margarine, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This is the secret to a tender and delicious cake.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients: Add the lemon juice and mineral water, continuing to mix. The lemon juice will not only enhance the flavors but will also add a fresh note to your cake.

4. Including the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and ground walnuts. Then, add this mixture to the margarine composition, gently mixing with a spatula or by hand until the dough becomes uniform. It is normal for the dough to be slightly sticky. It will become firmer after baking.

5. Setting aside the dough: From the obtained dough, set aside 1/5 of the amount, which you will mix with 3-4 tablespoons of additional flour. This portion will be used to create a delicious topping for the cake, so make sure it is denser.

6. Spreading the dough: Grease a baking tray with margarine and spread the dough evenly. You can use a spatula or do this by hand, ensuring that the dough completely covers the bottom of the tray.

7. Adding the jam: Once the dough is spread, add a generous layer of quince jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This will give the cake a pleasant sweetness and an irresistible aroma.

8. Sprinkling the walnuts: On top of the jam, sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a delicious taste that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the jam.

9. Grating the dough: Using a large grater, take the reserved dough and grate it evenly over the filling. This will create a delicate crust and help keep the filling inside.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and place the tray in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when the top dough becomes slightly browned and feels firm to the touch.

11. Cooling: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. It is essential not to cut it until it has cooled, or it will crumble.

12. Cutting and serving: Once cooled, cut the cake into portions and place it on a serving dish. It will be even more tender after a few hours of resting. You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of sour cream or yogurt for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:
- If the jam you are using is softer, you can add ground walnuts to the filling to give it a firmer texture.
- The dough will be stickier and harder to spread, but do not add too much flour, as the cake will become dense.
- You can experiment with different types of jam (plum, raspberry, or cherry) to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- If you like a more intense flavor, you can add a little cinnamon to the walnut mixture.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegan cake with jam and walnuts is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy option. Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Additionally, quince jam is a good source of fiber, aiding digestion.

Complementary recipes:
The vegan cake with jam and walnuts pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but it can also be enjoyed with a glass of plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk. Additionally, for a festive meal, you can combine the cake with a fresh fruit salad, providing a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the dessert and the freshness of the fruits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, but the recipe will no longer be vegan.
- How can I store the cake? It is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its tender texture.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing.

In conclusion, this vegan cake with jam and walnuts is a versatile, easy-to-make dessert full of flavor. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, you will surely enjoy it! Savor each piece and let yourself be carried away by the sweet memories of childhood.

 Ingredients: For the dough: 325 grams of white flour, 100 grams of ground walnuts, 175 grams of margarine, 1 packet of vanilla, 1 pinch of fine salt, 1 packet of baking powder, 50 ml of sparkling water, 125 grams of granulated sugar, juice from 1/2 lemon. For the filling: 1 jar of quince jam (300-350 grams), 100 grams of coarsely chopped walnuts.

 Tags:  vegan cake with jam and nuts vegan cookies flour nuts margarine sugar