Figaro cake, my mother's recipe

Figaro Cake - My Mother's Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the delicious world of homemade cakes! Today, I will share with you the recipe of Figaro cake, a dessert that brings back fond memories of my childhood. This cake is a real feast of textures and flavors, with a soft crust, a rich jam filling and a layer of fluffy meringue on top. It's the perfect choice for an afternoon snack or to impress guests at a party. Let's get to work!

Figaro cake story

Figaro cake has its origins in the tradition of creating rich and savory desserts that bring joy and delight everyone's taste buds. It's a simple but special recipe that combines humble ingredients in a refined creation. The jam filling and fluffy meringue are the key elements that turn this cake into an irresistible delight.

Ingredients needed

- 250 g margarine (ideally at room temperature, I use a Rama cube)
- 200 g sugar
- 5 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar or grated zest of an orange/lemon (to add a fresh flavor)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional but recommended for a deeper taste)
- 1 baking powder
- 200 ml milk (one cup)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 jar jam (I used apricot jam, but you can use other flavors such as raspberry or plum)
- 200 g chopped walnuts (for extra texture)
- 200 g sugar (for the meringue)
- 350 g flour
- Grated chocolate (optional for decoration)

Step by step

1. Preparing the countertops:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a large baking tray, greased with a little oil or margarine and lined with baking paper. This will help the cake come apart effortlessly.

2. Creating the margarine cream:
In a large bowl, rub the softened margarine with the sugar until fluffy and light in color. This step is essential to infuse air into the mixture and create a fluffy crumble.

3. Add cocoa and yolks:
Add the two tablespoons of cocoa to the margarine cream and mix well. Then add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Here you can start adding the flavorings: vanilla sugar, citrus zest and rum essence.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
Gradually add the milk and finally the flour mixed with the baking powder. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It's important not to over-mix so as not to develop gluten in the flour, which could make the pastry too dense.

5. Baking the shortbread:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the shortbread is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Making the meringue:
While the pastry is baking, whisk the egg whites until frothy, gradually adding the 200g of sugar. Continue beating until the meringue is stiff and glossy. This will give the cake an airy and delicious coating.

7. Assembling the cake:
Once the top is baked, let it cool slightly and then brush it with your favorite jam. Sprinkle the crumbled walnuts evenly and spread the meringue on top. A trick I use is to prick the top with a fork before adding the jam to help it absorb.

8. Finalize baking:
Place the cake back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meringue is golden and firm to the touch. Be careful not to leave it too long as the meringue can become too dry.

9. Cool and serve:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. You can decorate with grated chocolate if you like for an elegant look. Cut into squares and serve with a cup of tea or coffee. Sure to be a hit with your loved ones!

Practical tips

- Ingredients: Make sure the margarine is at room temperature to better incorporate it into the mixture. You can also experiment with butter if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Jam: Choose a good quality jam as this will greatly influence the final taste. You can even make your own jam if you want to add a personal touch.
- Walnut: If you don't have walnuts, you can use ground hazelnuts or almonds for a different flavor. You can also omit the nuts if you prefer a simpler jam.

Nutritional Benefits

This cookie is not only delicious, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and the jam provides a boost of vitamins and minerals. Of course, eating in moderation is key, but Figaro cake may be a better choice than many other processed desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or natural sweeteners, but be sure to follow the proportions to maintain consistency.

- Can the cake be frozen?
Figaro cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so before adding the meringue. Once thawed, you can add the meringue and bake it again.

- What is the best way to store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. If you have it for longer, it's better to keep it in the fridge.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a touch of originality, you can add a few pieces of chocolate or candied fruit to the batter. These variations will not only enrich the taste but also make the cake look more attractive.

Figaro cake is more than just a recipe; it is a memory, a joy shared with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge, every bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. So put on your apron, grab your ingredients and let's make magic in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 1 pack of margarine (I used a cube of Rama) 200 g sugar 5 eggs 2 vanilla sugar or orange/lemon zest, rum essence (what flavors do you like!) 1 baking powder 200 ml milk (one cup) 2 tablespoons cocoa 1 jar of jam (I used apricot, but I think any will work) 2 handfuls of finely chopped nuts 200 g sugar (for the whipped egg whites) 350 g flour grated chocolate to sprinkle on top (optional)