Upside-down walnut cake

I invite you to discover a special recipe with me, full of flavors and textures, that combines the sweetness of plum jam with the richness of walnuts: Walnut Upside Down Cake. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for moments of indulgence with loved ones. Let's begin our journey into the world of delights!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

A short story about the upside down cake

The upside down cake is one of those traditional recipes that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is said that its origin lies in the desire to transform simple ingredients into something special, and the combination of walnut and plum jam brings a perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors. It is a dessert that blends nostalgia with festive moments, often served at important events or family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 400 g flour
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 packet baking powder
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (preferably with a higher fat content for a creamier texture)
- 200 g plum jam (you can also use other tangy jams if you want a variation)

For the filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 8 eggs (preferably fresh and at room temperature)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar or a splash of vanilla essence (for an extra flavor)

Step by step: How to prepare walnut upside down cake

Step 1: Preparing the layers

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to gently knead until the mixture resembles fine sand.
2. Add the powdered sugar, baking powder, egg, and sour cream. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. It is important not to knead too much to keep the layers tender.
3. Divide the dough into two equal parts and form balls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the jam

4. Once the dough has chilled, roll out the first ball of dough on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Use a rolling pin to do this evenly.
5. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour, then place the first sheet of dough in the tray. Make sure it fits perfectly, and the edges are not torn.
6. Spread an even layer of plum jam over the dough sheet in the tray. The tangy jam will add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

7. In a separate bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed, gradually adding the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture becomes firm and glossy, and the sugar is completely dissolved.
8. Add the yolks, ground walnuts, and vanilla sugar, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon, with gentle folding movements to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

9. Pour the walnut mixture over the plum jam, spreading it evenly.
10. Roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it over the filling. Use a fork to pierce the surface so that steam can escape and the cake bakes evenly.

Step 5: Baking

11. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and nicely browned on top. A good technique is to check the baking with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Step 6: Cooling and serving

12. After the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then, cut it into portions and flip each piece upside down to expose the rich filling.
13. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also add some ground walnuts on top for a more attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions

The walnut upside down cake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. Additionally, a cup of black tea or coffee will perfectly complement the flavors of this cake.

Variations and tips

- Alternative flavors: You can add cinnamon to the walnut filling or use apricot or cherry jam for an interesting variation.
- Crunchy texture: If you desire a crunchier texture, you can add some whole walnut pieces to the filling.
- Reducing sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by 50 g.

Nutritional information

The walnut upside down cake has a moderate calorie content, with approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health and improving cognitive function.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of jam?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of jams depending on your preferences. Cherry or apricot jam offers unique flavors.

2. Is it possible to make the cake without nuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply do not like them, you can replace the walnuts with coconut flakes or omit the walnut filling altogether.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week. It can be served both cold and at room temperature.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to put this delicious recipe into practice! Invite your friends or family to a meal full of joy and flavors, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: FOR THE DOUGH: 400 g flour, 100 g butter, 100 g powdered sugar, 1 egg, 1 packet baking powder, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 200 g plum jam. FOR THE FILLING: 300 g ground walnuts, 8 eggs, 200 g granulated sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 vanilla essence.

 Tags:  walnut cake desert cake recipes