Plum and Walnut Cake

Plum and Walnut Cake - A Flavorful Delight from the Heart of Autumn

When it comes to desserts, few recipes manage to combine the sweetness of fruits with the crunchy texture of nuts as well as this plum and walnut cake. This simple yet impressive recipe is ideal for bringing a touch of warmth to cool autumn days. Moreover, it’s a perfect way to take advantage of the fresh harvest of plums, whether you have them from your garden or buy them at the market.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 45-55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 125 g butter (about half a pack)
- 200 g sugar (about one cup)
- 225 g flour (about one and a half cups)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons of water

Ingredients for the filling:
- 20 plums (pulp, aiming for about 400 g)
- 200 g sugar (about one cup)
- 40 g butter (about one and a half tablespoons)
- 240 ml red wine (about one cup)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g walnuts (about one cup)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer or a spatula to cream the butter with the sugar until it becomes fluffy and light in color. It’s time to add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential for achieving an airy base.

2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar, mixing with a spatula. Then, add the 6 tablespoons of water and continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter, but fluid enough to spread in the pan.

3. Preparing the Pan:
Grease a baking dish (or a similar pan) with butter and flour, ensuring the entire surface is covered. You can also use parchment paper to facilitate the removal of the cake after baking.

4. Spreading the Dough:
Pour the dough into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon, making sure it reaches the corners of the pan.

5. Preparing the Plum Filling:
In a saucepan, add the pitted and chopped plums along with the sugar, butter, red wine, and vanilla sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the plums soften and a delicious sauce forms. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Assembling the Cake:
Once the filling is ready, pour it evenly over the dough in the pan, including the formed liquid. Don’t worry! The dough will absorb all this flavor during baking.

7. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until the dough turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Finishing:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then you can turn it out onto a plate. If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Serving and Pairing:
This plum and walnut cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce pairs perfectly alongside. Additionally, a cup of tea or a sweet wine will complement this delicacy beautifully.

Nutritional Benefits:
Plums are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. This cake can be enjoyed in moderation, with a caloric content of approximately 250-300 kcal per serving, depending on the exact proportions of the ingredients.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, and the red wine can be substituted with white wine or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned plums?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid adding too much liquid.

2. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container, but it can also be frozen.

3. Can it be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the flour with a gluten-free option and ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free.

In conclusion, the plum and walnut cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a way to bring a bit of autumn magic into your home. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: batter: half a pack of butter, one cup of sugar, one and a half cups of flour (I used the same measure), 2 eggs, a pinch of baking powder, vanilla sugar, 6 tablespoons of water. fruits: price of 20 plums (pulp), one cup of sugar, one and a half tablespoons of butter, one cup of red wine, vanilla sugar, one cup of nuts.

 Tags:  fruit cake plum cake