Poppy seed cake with walnuts and jam

Poppy Seed, Walnut, and Jam Cake – a classic delight that combines simple ingredients with exceptional flavor! This recipe, passed down from my grandmother's recipe book, reminds us of family gatherings, and each slice evokes beautiful memories and unforgettable moments. Making this cake is not just a culinary challenge, but also a journey into the world of flavors, textures, and traditions. Get ready, as I invite you to discover how to prepare this poppy seed, walnut, and jam cake, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 800 g flour
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 200 g sugar

For the walnut filling:
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 150 g sugar
- rum essence
- 50 g raisins (optional)
- 100 ml milk

For the poppy seed filling:
- 150 g ground poppy seeds
- 150 g sugar
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g raisins (optional)
- 100 ml milk

For the jam filling:
- 1 jar of apricot jam (approximately 300 g)

For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)

Recipe History

Poppy Seed, Walnut, and Jam Cake is a traditional recipe that blends influences from various culinary cultures. It is often made in families, being a popular choice for holidays and family reunions. The combination of poppy seeds, walnuts, and jam creates a delicious contrast of textures, with each ingredient adding a distinct note to this dessert. Although it may seem like a complex recipe, the steps are straightforward, and the result will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into a small bowl and adding a little warm milk along with a teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let the mixture rise in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

2. Separating the egg yolks: In a large bowl, separate the yolks from the whites. Although the recipe calls for only the yolks, keep the whites for other dishes (such as meringue or an omelet).

3. Preparing the raisins: Place the raisins in a cup of warm water and add a little rum essence. This step will help the raisins become plump and flavorful, adding a touch of taste to the cake.

4. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the butter and lard. Add the egg yolks, sugar, and the risen yeast. Knead everything until you obtain a homogeneous, crumbly dough. This type of dough will give the cake a fluffy and delicious texture.

5. Let the dough rise: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for 15 minutes.

6. Preparing the fillings:
- For the poppy seed filling: In a saucepan, add the ground poppy seeds, sugar, and milk. Bring everything to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the lemon zest and drained raisins, and let it cool.
- For the walnut filling: Follow the same steps as for the poppy seed filling, using walnuts instead of poppy seeds. Add the rum essence and drained raisins for extra flavor.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 25 cm x 35 cm baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.

8. Assembling the cake:
- Roll out the first layer of dough and place the poppy seed filling on top.
- Roll out the second layer and cover it with a generous layer of apricot jam.
- Place the third layer and add the walnut filling.
- Cover everything with the last layer.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F). Bake the cake for about an hour, or until it turns golden and browned on top.

10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray.

11. Preparing the glaze: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the cocoa powder and sugar. Gradually add hot water, stirring until you achieve a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.

12. Setting the glaze: Refrigerate the cake for a few hours so that the glaze can set.

13. Slicing: Use a sharp knife, moistened in hot water, to cut the cake into slices.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also pair it with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or with light whipped cream for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts? Yes, you can experiment with almonds or pistachios to add a personal touch to the cake.

- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

- Is this a vegan recipe? No, but you can adapt the ingredients using plant-based butter and milk instead of animal-derived ones.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, although rich in calories, also offers nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein, while poppy seeds contain essential vitamins and minerals. The apricot jam adds natural sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to other types of refined sugar.

In conclusion, poppy seed, walnut, and jam cake is a perfect choice for holiday desserts or to treat your loved ones. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday celebration, or simply a quiet evening at home, this cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -for the dough: 800 g flour 200 g butter 1 tablespoon lard 4 egg yolks 4 tablespoons sour cream 20 g yeast 200 g sugar -for the walnut filling: 250 g ground walnuts 150 g sugar rum essence 50 g raisins 100 ml milk -for the poppy seed filling: 150 g ground poppy seeds 150 g sugar grated zest of one lemon 1 vanilla sugar 50 g raisins 100 ml milk -a jar of apricot jam -for the glaze: 2 tablespoons cocoa 6 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons water 100 g butter

 Tags:  jam cake walnut cake