Plum and Walnut Cake
Plum and Walnut Cake: A Simple and Comforting Delight
If you're looking for a quick, easy-to-make, and delicious dessert, the plum and walnut cake is the perfect choice. This recipe not only meets the needs of a laid-back weekend day but also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of the joys of childhood spent in the kitchen. Juicy plums and crunchy walnuts blend harmoniously, providing an unforgettable taste. Let’s see how we can bring this simple dessert into our homes!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Necessary ingredients:
- 1.5 kg ripe plums
- 6 fresh eggs
- 220 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 200 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 packet transparent Tort Gelee
Preparing the cake:
1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums well under cold running water. Then, cut the plums in half and remove the pits. You can leave them whole or cut them into quarters, depending on your preferences. If you prefer less sweet plums, choose the slightly sour ones.
2. Beating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with 200 g of sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and the soft butter. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and creamy mixture. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture for the cake.
3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you obtain a firm foam. It is important that the bowl is clean and dry, and that the egg whites are at room temperature for better beating.
4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another container, combine the flour with the baking powder, ground walnuts, and cloves. The latter adds a warm and intriguing flavor that will perfectly complement the taste of the plums.
5. Combining the mixtures: Incorporate the flour mixture into the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture. Once you have a homogeneous dough, add the beaten egg whites and mix slowly, using up-and-down movements.
6. Baking the cake: Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) lined with baking paper. Pour the dough into the tray and level it evenly. Distribute the plums on top of the dough, making sure to place them evenly. If desired, you can also sprinkle ground walnuts over the plums for added flavor and texture.
7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C and let the cake bake for 35-45 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t forget to check the cake in the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid excessive browning.
8. Preparing the glaze: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, mix the Tort Gelee powder with the remaining sugar (about 20 g) and 250 ml of water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens. If you notice that the glaze is too thin, you can reduce the amount of water to achieve a denser consistency.
9. Glazing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the warm glaze over it, ensuring it is evenly covered. Let the cake rest in the turned-off oven for about 10 minutes for the glaze to set.
10. Serving: After it has cooled slightly, cut the cake into squares and serve it warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce. You can share it with family and friends, sure that they will be impressed by its taste!
Nutritional benefits:
Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Walnuts add an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dessert not only delicious but also nourishing.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Certainly! You can experiment with apples, peaches, or cherries. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and juicy.
2. Can I replace the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or olive oil, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cake will vary.
3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week. You can freeze it, but it’s best fresh.
Possible variations:
- Add a dash of rum or almond extract for a more intense flavor.
- You can replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey dough.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom for an exotic taste.
The plum and walnut cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a way to bring joy and comfort in every bite. Enjoy every moment of preparation and savor the final result!
Ingredients: - 1.5 kg plums - 6 eggs - 220 g sugar - 1 packet vanilla sugar - salt - 200 g soft butter - 200 g flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 200 g ground walnuts - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 packet transparent cake gel
