Star-shaped cake with quince jam

Star Cake with Quince Jam: A Holiday Delicacy

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 16

The Star Cake with quince jam is not just a simple recipe, but a true tradition on holiday tables. This cake, with its spectacular appearance, manages to bring together the authentic flavors of childhood and joyful moments spent with loved ones. With a soft dough and fragrant jam, each slice is an explosion of flavor, perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Required ingredients:

- 4 tablespoons lard (ideally cold)
- 2 eggs (ideally from free-range chickens for a more intense flavor)
- 250 ml sweet milk (boiled and cooled to activate the flavors)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 750 g wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour with a protein content of 9-11%)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 essence of rum (for an extra flavor)
- 1 kg quince jam (preferably homemade for a natural and authentic taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the cold lard cut into cubes. Add the eggs and sweet milk (make sure it is well cooled). Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Quench the baking powder with a little apple cider vinegar and add it to the mixture. Then, gradually add the wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes firm enough. It is normal for it to feel sticky at first, but with kneading, it will become easy to work with.

3. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out.

4. Dividing the dough: After it has been in the refrigerator, take the dough out and divide it into four equal pieces. Each piece will form a round sheet.

5. Rolling out the sheets: Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a round sheet. Make sure the sheets are of the same thickness for even baking.

6. Assembling the cake: Prepare a large baking tray with parchment paper and sprinkle a little flour. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray, add a generous layer of quince jam, and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, repeat the process with the other sheets, adding jam on each layer.

7. Cutting the cake: Once you have placed all the sheets, place a cup or glass upside down in the middle of the cake. Using a knife, cut the sheets from the center to the edges, forming 16 pieces.

8. Shaping the star: Take each strip of dough and twist it from the inside out, pinching the ends together. Repeat this process for all strips until you achieve a star shape.

9. Baking: Beat an egg and brush the cake with it. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 1 hour, until it becomes golden and browned.

10. Finishing: After taking the cake out of the oven, sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for a sweet and aromatic taste.

Serving suggestions: The Star Cake with quince jam is best enjoyed with a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream would add a delicious contrast.

Possible variations: You can experiment with other types of jam, such as plum or apricot, to achieve different flavors. Also, adding ground nuts to the dough can provide an interesting texture.

Nutritional benefits: The whole wheat flour used in this recipe provides essential fiber, and the quince jam contains vitamins and antioxidants. This cake can become a healthier option within a balanced dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can the dough be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

- Can I use store-bought jams? Of course! But we recommend choosing jams with low sugar content and no additives for the best taste.

- How do I know when the cake is baked? The cake is ready when it is evenly browned on the top surface, and if you tap it lightly, it should emit a hollow sound.

Try this Star Cake with quince jam recipe and turn your meals into a true feast of flavors! With its spectacular appearance and divine taste, it will surely be a hit among family and friends. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 tablespoons lard, 2 eggs, 250 ml sweet milk, 1 packet baking powder, 750 g wheat flour, a pinch of salt, 1 essence of rum, 1 kg quince jam