Winter Cake

Winter Cake - A Sweet Delight for the Holidays

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

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines tradition with exquisite taste, the Winter Cake is the perfect choice. This sweet masterpiece, with layers of caramel cream, caramelized quinces, and a fluffy dough, will transport you to the warm atmosphere of the holidays, bringing you joy with every slice.

Ingredients

- 4 quinces
- 4 apples
- 200 g crushed and roasted walnuts
- 12 eggs
- 21-22 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 liter of milk
- 500 ml of whipping cream
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon
- Vanilla (to taste)
- Rum (optional)
- 1/2 packet of baking soda extinguished with 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter/margarine

Necessary utensils

- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Chopping board

Step by Step for a Perfect Winter Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Dish

To achieve a cake with a special presentation, we start by preparing the baking dish. Choose a wide pot, about the height of a palm. Add 4-5 tablespoons of sugar and let it melt over medium heat until it achieves a brown color. This step is crucial as the caramel not only sweetens the cake but also creates a delicious crust on the outside. Once the sugar has reached the desired color, grease the sides of the dish with it and let it cool.

After the caramel has cooled, grease the dish with a piece of butter to prevent the cake from sticking. Arrange the sliced apples at the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 2: Cooking the Quinces and Walnuts

Cut 4 quinces into small cubes and sauté them in a pan with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cooking them will bring out the delicious flavors, and a pinch of cinnamon will further enhance the taste. Quinces are seasonal fruits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice. Let the quinces cool after they become soft. Quickly roast the walnuts in a pan, then crush them with a rolling pin to achieve a crunchy texture.

Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Cream

In a large bowl, beat the 8 eggs with the 8 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a fluffy foam. Add the grated lemon peel and vanilla, bringing an inviting aroma. Slowly incorporate the milk, and pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Bake at a moderate heat, and the caramel cream is ready when it takes on a dark brown hue and pulls away from the sides. This sweet and velvety cream will be the base of our cake.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

When the caramel cream is ready, add the layer of cooked quinces and sprinkle the roasted walnuts on top. This layer will add a textural note and an intense fruit flavor. Let the cake bake on low heat for a few minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the Dough

Separate the eggs, adding the yolks to another bowl. Mix them with a pinch of salt and oil. Whip the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm foam. Incorporate the flour mixed with the baking powder, being careful to fold gently from the bottom up. Add the baking soda extinguished with a tablespoon of vinegar to the yolks, and the mixture will rise beautifully. This is added to the egg white foam, along with a splash of rum for added flavor.

Pour the dough over the previous two layers and let it bake until it turns golden. Check with a toothpick if it is done; if it comes out clean, our cake is perfect.

Step 6: Cooling and Decorating

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool for 15-30 minutes. It can be inverted onto a plate using the classic method; place the plate over the mouth of the dish and carefully flip it. It is recommended to decorate the cake the next day, as the syrup formed from the caramelized sugar and fruits will soak into the dough, giving it a more intense flavor.

For decoration, use whipping cream, which you can whip well until it becomes firm. Choose to decorate the cake with colorful fruits or caramelized walnuts. To create these crunchy walnuts, melt sugar in a pan and add the roasted walnuts. Pour the mixture onto aluminum foil and let it cool, then crush it and sprinkle it on top of the cake for an elegant and delicious appearance.

Useful Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and contains antioxidants from the fruits. However, considering the amount of sugar, it is best consumed in moderation.
- Serving: The Winter Cake is ideal served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add a refreshing contrast.
- Frequently Asked Questions: You can substitute quinces with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apricots. Also, if you don’t have walnuts, you can use hazelnuts or almonds.

Possible Variations

To customize this recipe, you can add cocoa to the dough for a chocolate cake, or experiment with other vanilla flavors. You can also replace some of the sugar with honey or natural sweeteners for a healthier version.

Regardless of your choice, the Winter Cake will bring a touch of holiday magic in every bite, transforming festive meals into memorable moments. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every sweet moment!

 Ingredients: 4 quinces / 4 apples 200g crushed and roasted nuts 12 eggs 21-22 tbsp sugar 4 tbsp flour 1 liter milk 500 ml cream for whipping a pinch of cinnamon, 1 tbsp grated lemon, vanilla, rum, 1/2 packet baking soda dissolved with 1 tbsp vinegar / a pinch of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tbsp oil 1 tbsp butter / margarine