Nut Cake

We bake, we bake... and we prepare for the holidays! Today, I invite you to discover together a delicious walnut and apricot jam cake recipe, which will not only sweeten the festive tables but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This cake combines layers of tender dough with a rich filling of walnuts and jam, topped with a fine glaze, perfect for delighting your guests or savoring moments of indulgence with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 50 g lard
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 400 g flour
- 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

For the cream:
- 300 g apricot jam (or your preferred jam)
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 150 g sugar
- 4 egg whites

For the glaze:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150 g powdered sugar
- Colored candies (optional, for decoration)

Recipe History

The walnut cake has deep roots in cooking traditions, often prepared in families during holidays or special occasions. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, such as walnuts and jam, can be transformed into a delightful treat. Whether made in modest kitchens or the most elegant ones, the walnut cake has always brought joy and smiles to the faces of those who enjoy it.

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure that the lard and butter are at room temperature. If you wish, you can gently warm them up, but avoid melting them completely. This step is essential for achieving a well-bound and tender dough.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the lard and butter, then mix them together with the sugar until they become a fluffy mixture. Add the egg, rum essence, and sour cream, continuing to homogenize.

3. Sifting the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the salt, baking powder, and cocoa. This step will not only remove any lumps but will also aerate the mixture.

4. Integrating the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients over the wet mixture. If you want, you can skip the mixer and use your hands to knead the dough. This is a pleasant activity and will connect you more with the cooking process.

5. Dividing the dough: Divide the obtained dough into two equal parts. Prepare a baking tray of dimensions 25/35 cm, which you will line with butter and flour.

6. Forming the first layer: Roll out one sheet of dough and place it in the tray. You will keep the other half of the dough for later, keeping it cool.

7. Preparing the walnut cream: Finely grind the walnuts. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a stiff foam. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you obtain a well-bound meringue.

8. Combining the mixtures: Once the meringue is ready, add the ground walnuts and gently mix with a spatula, using bottom-up movements.

9. Spreading the jam: Over the layer of dough in the tray, evenly spread the apricot jam. This will add a note of acidity and flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness.

10. Adding the walnut cream: Carefully add the mixture of egg whites and walnuts over the apricot jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

11. Forming the second layer: Roll out the second sheet of dough, being careful to place it over the walnut layer. Don’t worry if you can’t distribute it perfectly; some imperfections will be covered by the glaze.

12. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 45-50 minutes. You will know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

13. Preparing the glaze: 15 minutes before the cake is done, prepare the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until their volume triples. This glaze will give a shiny appearance and a delicious flavor to the cake.

14. Finishing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and quickly spread the warm glaze over it. It is important to work quickly, as the glaze will harden as the cake cools.

15. Cooling and portioning: Let the cake cool completely before portioning it. Share it with loved ones and decorate it with colored candies or walnuts, as desired. This cake is perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips and Variations

- If you want to experiment, you can replace the apricot jam with other types, such as cherry or plum jam, for a different flavor.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- For a vegan version, try replacing the butter and lard with coconut oil and using flaxseeds instead of eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different nuts? Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.

2. What drinks go well with this cake? A cup of black tea or flavored coffee are excellent accompaniments to this delicious cake.

3. How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.

This walnut and apricot jam cake recipe is a true feast of flavors and textures, perfect for bringing joy to every celebration. So put on your apron, turn on the oven, and let’s bake together! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough 50g lard 100g butter 100g sugar 1 egg 3 tablespoons sour cream 400g flour 1 full tablespoon cocoa 1 teaspoon baking powder a pinch of salt 1 teaspoon rum essenceCream apricot jam 300g 250g walnuts 150g sugar 4 egg whitesGlaze 4 egg yolks 150g powdered sugar colored candies

 Tags:  nut cake