Mena Cake

Mena Cake - A Delightful Treat Full of Joy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The history of this cake, known as Mena Cake, is filled with joy and sweet memories, bringing smiles to the faces of those who enjoy it. Inspired by a family recipe, this cake is a perfect combination of fluffy sponge, plum jam, and walnut cream. Whether served at a festive table or simply as a weekend indulgence, Mena Cake will always bring a touch of joy to your life.

The ingredients needed to prepare this wonderful cake are simple and accessible, and the preparation method is just as easy to follow. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 150 g margarine (recommended to be at room temperature for even mixing)
- 150 g sugar (preferably granulated sugar for a fine texture)
- 250 g flour (sifted to eliminate lumps)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature)
- 6-7 g baking powder (activated with a spoonful of vinegar)

For the filling:
- 210 g plum jam (we recommend choosing a quality jam, preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 210 g sugar (for the walnut cream)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature for better integration)
- 210 g ground walnuts (you can also use roasted walnuts for a more intense flavor)

Preparing Mena Cake

1. Preparing the tray: Start by lining a 24x32 cm tray with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. The sponge: In a large bowl, add the soft margarine, sugar, and egg. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients at medium speed until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved; this will contribute to a fine texture of the sponge.

3. Adding dry ingredients: Incorporate the baking powder (activated with vinegar) and sifted flour. Mix gently until all ingredients are well integrated, being careful not to overmix.

4. Pouring into the tray: Pour the sponge mixture into the prepared tray and level it evenly with a spatula. Ensure the layer is even for uniform baking.

5. Plum jam: Spread the plum jam over the sponge mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly, so that each piece of cake is full of flavor.

6. Walnut cream: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy consistency. Add the ground walnuts and mix gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.

7. Finalizing the preparation: Pour the walnut mixture over the plum jam, leveling it with a spatula.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and slightly reduce the heat. Let the cake bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top turns golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. After it has completely cooled, you can cut it into squares or rectangles.

Practical Tips

- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry jam, to add a different note to your cake.
- Walnut: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can roast the walnuts beforehand to enhance their aroma.
- Serving: Mena Cake is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A cup of tea or coffee will also pair perfectly with this dessert.
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it, but make sure to portion it before placing it in the freezer.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as healthy fats from walnuts. Walnuts provide protein and fiber, while the plum jam adds a touch of vitamins and antioxidants. Of course, it is a dessert, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, but it is certainly a better choice compared to other processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine is an excellent choice for achieving a fluffy sponge, but if you prefer butter, it will add a richer flavor.

2. What can I use instead of plum jam?
You can use any type of jam you prefer, but make sure it is of high quality for the best taste.

3. How do I know when the cake is done?
A cake is done when the top turns golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

4. Can the cake be made without nuts?
Sure! You can omit the nuts or replace them with chopped chocolate for a delicious variation.

5. How can I customize the recipe?
You can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the sponge mixture for a distinctive flavor.

Mena Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings people together. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself and your loved ones, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Savor each piece and share the joy of this cake with your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base 150 g margarine, 150 g sugar, 250 g flour, 1 egg, 6-7 g baking powder extinguished with vinegar. Plum jam 210 g sugar, 4 eggs, 210 g ground walnuts.

 Tags:  flour nut unt cake eggs fruit gem gem sugar nut cake jam cake fruit cake nut dessert