Jam and walnut cake
Jam and Walnut Cake Recipe: A Retro Delight
In a world where sophisticated desserts delight our eyes and taste buds, sometimes it's good to return to simple recipes filled with nostalgia. The jam and walnut cake is one of those treats that remind us of childhood moments when our mothers spoiled us with lovingly prepared goodies. This fasting cake recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for enjoying with family alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20
Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons water
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g, but adjust according to consistency)
- 2 jars of 400 g plum jam
- 1 handful of walnut kernels
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Preparation Technique:
1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the water, oil, and sugar. Use a whisk to gently mix these ingredients until the sugar partially dissolves. This is the wet base of our cake, which will add juiciness.
2. Adding Flavors: Once the sugar has melted, add the baking powder, orange zest, and rum essence. These ingredients will give the cake a divine aroma, reminiscent of warm summer days.
3. Incorporating the Flour: Now it's time to gradually add the flour. It’s important to mix with a spatula or by hand (grease your hands with a little oil) until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your fingers. It should be a firm dough, so don’t hesitate to add more flour if necessary.
4. Chilling the Dough: Take a small piece of dough (about one-third of the total) and wrap it in a plastic bag, then place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential for grating the dough later.
5. Preparing the Walnuts: In a pan, toast the walnut kernels for a few minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once they have a pleasant aroma, chop them coarsely with a knife. The toasted walnuts will add a crunchy texture and intense flavor to the cake.
6. Mixing the Jam: In a bowl, mix the two jars of plum jam with the chopped toasted walnuts. This mixture will be the delicious filling of the cake.
7. Assembling the Cake: Prepare a large baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Roll out the remaining dough into a sheet using a rolling pin, then place it in the tray. Evenly distribute the jam and walnut mixture over the dough.
8. Grating the Dough: Take the piece of dough from the freezer and grate it with a large grater evenly over the jam. This layer will create a crunchy and delicious crust.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (375°F) and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough turns golden. A useful trick is to check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, then it’s done.
10. Cooling and Decorating: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. After it has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Wait for it to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight. This step will allow the flavors to develop and the cake to become softer.
Serving and Variations:
The jam and walnut cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a simple dessert after a meal or even as a sweet snack throughout the day. If you want to experiment, try replacing the plum jam with apricot or blackberry jam for a different note.
Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Walnuts are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, plum jam brings fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet, especially during fasting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of oil?
Yes, sunflower or olive oil can be used without any problems. Choose an oil with a neutral flavor so it doesn’t affect the cake’s aroma.
2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It will stay fresh for several days.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This is a fasting recipe, so it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Personal Note:
This jam and walnut cake is not just a recipe but a living memory from childhood. Every time I make it, I think of the moments spent in my mother’s kitchen, the scent of jam and walnuts filling the house. I encourage you to try it and enjoy it with your loved ones, perhaps even sharing it with other generations, thus keeping the tradition alive.
Enjoy cooking and savoring this delicious cake!
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons of water 10 tablespoons of sugar 10 tablespoons of oil 1 pinch of baking powder the peel of an orange 1 essence of rum flour to make a firm dough 2 jars of plum jam of 400 g a handful of walnut kernels powdered sugar
