Tunischi, Serbian cake

Tunischi - Serbian Cake with Walnuts and Apricot Jam

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Introduction:
Today, I invite you to discover a traditional cake, full of flavor and aroma, that is sure to become your family's favorite. Tunischi is a cake with a light and fluffy base, filled with a fine cream and topped with whipped cream and grated chocolate, all combined with the sweetness of apricot jam. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 8 egg whites
- 16 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of apricot jam
- 300 g ground walnuts

For the cream:
- 8 egg yolks
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 liter of warm milk
- 8 tablespoons of flour

For decoration:
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 100 g grated chocolate

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the pan
Start by preparing the pan. Grease a square or rectangular baking dish with oil, then evenly sprinkle the ground walnuts on the bottom of the pan. This step will give the cake a crunchy and delicious base.

Step 2: Preparing the base
1. Beat the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the 8 egg whites until they form a stiff foam. This will give the cake an airy texture.
2. Add the sugar: While continuing to beat, gradually add the 16 tablespoons of sugar. Keep mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Incorporate the jam: Add the 2 tablespoons of apricot jam and gently mix with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.
4. Pour into the pan: Pour the obtained mixture over the walnuts in the prepared pan and smooth the surface.

Step 3: Baking the base
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the pan inside. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it's done). After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Preparing the cream
1. Mix the egg yolks: In a large bowl, mix the 8 egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes creamy.
2. Add the milk: Pour the warm milk over the egg yolk mixture and mix well to homogenize.
3. Incorporate the flour: Add the 8 tablespoons of flour and mix again until there are no lumps.
4. Cook the cream: Place the mixture over a double boiler and stir constantly. The cream will begin to thicken; continue stirring until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Once the base is completely cooled, spread an even layer of apricot jam over it. Pour the cream over the jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed. On top, add a generous layer of whipped cream, then sprinkle grated chocolate for an elegant look and delicious aroma.

Serving suggestions
Tunischi can be served plain, but for a distinctive touch, try adding a chocolate sauce or caramel sauce on the plate. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet can perfectly complement this dessert.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the apricot jam with raspberry or cherry jam for a different note. Additionally, the walnuts can be replaced with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on personal preferences.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the walnuts, which are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. The egg yolks add important vitamins and minerals, while the apricot jam provides antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, Tunischi can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the whipped cream and grated chocolate before freezing. These can be added after thawing.

2. How can I tell if the base is done?
Perform the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean after being inserted in the center, the base is done.

3. How long does the cake last?
Tunischi keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, in a closed container to prevent drying out.

Calories
A serving of Tunischi contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the exact amounts of ingredients used.

Conclusion
Tunischi is more than just a simple cake; it is a culinary experience that combines textures and flavors, bringing a touch of joy to every slice. The recipe is simple, but the result is impressive. So, get ready to amaze all your guests with this delicious dessert and create unforgettable memories around the table! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 8 eggs, 16 tablespoons of sugar, 8 tablespoons of flour, 1 liter of milk, 300 g of chopped nuts, 1 jar of apricot jam. For decoration: 500 ml of whipped cream, 100 g of grated chocolate.