Poppy seed cake with jam and walnuts

Poppy seed, jam, and walnut cake – a traditional delicacy that combines flavors and textures in a truly special way! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or simply an afternoon spent with loved ones. By baking this cake, you will bring not only a delicious dessert into your kitchen but also a story filled with memories, traditions, and unforgettable moments.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 800 g flour
- 200 g butter
- 1 tablespoon lard
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 200 g sugar

*For the walnut filling:*
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 150 g sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 50 g raisins
- 100 ml milk

*For the poppy seed filling:*
- 150 g ground poppy seeds
- 150 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g raisins
- 100 ml milk
- A jar of apricot jam (approximately 300 g)

*For the glaze:*
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 100 g butter

History of the poppy seed, jam, and walnut cake:
The poppy seed, jam, and walnut cake is a dessert deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Poppy seeds, a key ingredient, have been used for centuries not only for their distinctive flavor but also for their nutritional benefits. This cake is a true symbol of hospitality, often served at festive meals or family gatherings.

Preparing the cake:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into a small bowl. Add a little warm milk (about 50 ml) and a teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let the mixture sit in a warm place for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the butter (which should be soft, at room temperature) and lard. Add the egg yolks, sour cream, sugar, and the activated yeast. Knead the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous and crumbly dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Let the dough rise: Divide the dough into four equal parts. Cover them with a clean towel and let them rise for 15 minutes.

4. Preparing the fillings:
- Poppy seed filling: In a pot, bring the ground poppy seeds, sugar, and milk to a boil. Mix well, then add the lemon zest and 50 g of drained raisins (which you have soaked in warm water with rum essence). Let it cool slightly.
- Walnut filling: Do the same with the walnut filling, bringing the ground walnuts, sugar, and milk to a boil. After it boils, add the rum essence and drained raisins.

5. Rolling out the layers: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 25 cm x 35 cm baking dish, lining it with parchment paper.
- Take the first part of the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin. Place it in the baking dish and add the poppy seed filling.
- Roll out the second layer and spread a uniform layer of apricot jam on top.
- Roll out the third layer and add the walnut filling, then cover it with the fourth layer.

6. Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius. Let the cake bake for about 60 minutes, or until it is golden and beautifully browned on top.

7. Preparing the glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, mix the soft butter with cocoa, sugar, and hot water until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

8. Finishing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish. After it has completely cooled, add the glaze on top, smoothing it with a spatula.

9. Serving: Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the glaze set. Then, cut it with a sharp knife dipped in hot water to get perfect slices.

Tips and useful advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a homogeneous dough.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding a few drops of orange essence to the walnut filling.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed even after a few days, becoming even more flavorful as it rests.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains beneficial ingredients such as walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Poppy seeds provide essential minerals, while apricot jam offers a dose of vitamins and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of jam? Yes, you can experiment with berry or plum jams, depending on your preferences.
- How can I vary the fillings? Instead of walnuts, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor.

This poppy seed, jam, and walnut cake is not just a dessert, but a true taste experience! A slice will surely satisfy your sweet cravings and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 800 g flour, 200 g butter, 1 tablespoon lard, 4 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 20 g yeast, 200 g sugar. For the walnut filling: 250 g ground walnuts, 150 g sugar, rum essence, 50 g raisins, 100 ml milk. For the poppy seed filling: 150 g ground poppy seeds, 150 g sugar, zest of one lemon, 1 vanilla sugar, 50 g raisins, 100 ml milk, a jar of apricot jam. For the glaze: 2 tablespoons cocoa, 6 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons water, 100 g butter.