Plum and Walnut Cake

Plum and walnut cake: a delicious, flavorful and easy-to-prepare recipe, perfect to enjoy with loved ones. This cake combines the sweetness of fruit with the crunchiness of nuts to create a dessert that will be remembered by all. Making it is a real art, but I will guide you step by step to achieve a result worthy of the most exquisite roasters.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed:

- 1,5 kg ripe plums
- 6 eggs
- 220 g sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 200 g soft butter (room temperature)
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 sachet of transparent Gelee Cake

Cake preparation:

1. Preparing the plums: Start by washing the plums thoroughly under cold running cold water. Then carefully remove the pits from each plum. This step is essential because pits can alter the texture of the cake and add a bitter taste. If the plums are too large, you can cut them in halves.

2. Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the whites from the yolks. It is important to use fresh eggs as they contribute to the light texture of the cake.

3. Making the mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with 200g of sugar, the vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to obtain a frothy cream. Add the softened butter and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, ground nuts and cloves. These ingredients add a deep flavor to the cake and extra texture. Sifting the flour with the other dry ingredients will ensure even distribution in the batter.

5. Beat the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff foam. They will give the cake an airy texture, so don't skip this step!

6. Combining the ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the creamed yolks. Use a spatula to stir gently, being careful not to remove the air from the egg whites. Once the flour is well incorporated, add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently.

7. Prepare the tray: Line a baking tray with baking paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

8. Adding the plums: Distribute the sliced prunes evenly on top of the batter. You can sprinkle ground walnuts on top for added flavor and texture. The walnuts combine perfectly with the sweetness of the plums, providing a nice contrast.

9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Be careful when baking as every oven is different.

10. To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the Gelee Cake, the remaining sugar and 250ml water. It's important to follow the directions on the package, but in my observation, you can reduce the amount of water to get a more concentrated and flavorful glaze. Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

11. Finishing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the warm glaze on top. Let it rest in the turned off oven for about 10 minutes to set the glaze and combine flavors.

12. Serving: After it has cooled slightly, you can cut the cake into portions and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of flavored tea. This combination will enhance the flavors of the cake and create a memorable dessert.

Helpful tips:

- Prunes: Choose very ripe plums as they will add a natural sweetness to the cake. Avoid unripe plums as they will not cook evenly.
- Nuts: You can substitute nuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. These variations can offer a different taste experience.
- Gluten-free version: If you want a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or rice flour instead of wheat flour.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is rich in fruit, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. However, it is important to eat portions in moderation as the cake can contain a significant number of calories, around 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with apples, apricots or peaches, each fruit brings a unique flavor.

2. How do I know if the cake is ripe?
Insert a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

3. Can the cake be stored?
Yes, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a week.

This plum and walnut cake recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that brings together the flavors of nature and traditional cooking. I encourage you to try making and sharing it with your loved ones, making any moment special. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: - 1.5 kg plums - 6 eggs - 220 g sugar - 1 packet vanilla sugar - salt - 200 g soft butter - 200 g flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 200 g ground walnuts - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 packet transparent cake gel