Flower cake with walnuts and plum jam

Flower loaf with walnut and plum jam

The loaf is undoubtedly a traditional delicacy that brings pleasant childhood memories, when its inviting aroma filled the entire house, and the moments spent with loved ones seemed more beautiful. Today, I invite you to discover with me a special recipe for flower loaf, filled with walnut and plum jam, which not only looks spectacular but is also incredibly delicious!

Total preparation time: 3 hours (of which 1 hour active)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 200 ml milk
- 100 g melted margarine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 600 g white flour
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast

Ingredients for the filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 375 g plum jam

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
If you have a bread machine, this process becomes extremely simple. Add the ingredients to its pan in the specified order: milk, melted margarine, salt, sugar, beaten eggs, lemon zest, orange zest, flour, and finally, yeast. Choose the kneading and rising program and let the machine work its magic. If you don’t have a bread machine, don’t worry! You can knead the dough by hand, just as you would with a classic dough. Make sure to knead well until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 2: Rising the dough
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume. It is important for the dough to be in a warm environment to activate the yeast, so avoid drafts.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
In the meantime, in a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar. This will add a sweet taste and a crunchy texture to your loaf. Prepare a round baking pan, which you will line with parchment paper to give the loaf its flower shape.

Step 4: Shaping the loaf
When the dough has risen, remove it onto a lightly greased work surface. Divide it into three parts: two small for the base and cap of the loaf and one large for the filling.

1. Take a small piece of dough and roll it out, forming a disc the size of the pan. This will be the base of the loaf. Spread it with jam and sprinkle walnuts on top.
2. Take the large piece of dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread with jam, add walnuts, and roll tightly, forming a long log. Cut the log into slices, which you will place in the pan like flower petals. If you can’t fit them all, don’t worry; you can place them on top.
3. Spread the entire surface of the loaf with jam and sprinkle the remaining walnuts mixed with sugar.

Step 5: Covering the loaf
Roll out the second small piece of dough into a disc larger than the pan and place it over the slices of dough, tucking the edges under the petals to seal them. With a fork, poke the dough here and there to allow steam to escape during baking. Let the loaf rise for another 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Baking
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing the loaf in the oven, brush it with the beaten egg mixed with milk, to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the loaf for about 50 minutes or until golden, and when removed from the oven, brush it with a spoonful of heavy cream to keep the crust soft and fluffy.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Once the loaf is ready, cover it with a towel and let it cool. Wait patiently for it to cool before slicing it.

Helpful tips:
- You can substitute the plum jam with other favorite jams, such as apricot or cherry, for a variation in flavor.
- The loaf can be served plain or alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of sweet wine.
- If you want an even more aromatic loaf, add a few drops of rum or vanilla essence to the filling.

Nutritional information:
A serving of the loaf (approximately 100 g) contains about 300 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from walnuts.

The flower loaf with walnut and plum jam is not just a simple dessert; it is a way to bring family and friends together, to create beautiful memories, and to savor special moments. So gather your loved ones, prepare this delicious recipe, and enjoy every slice! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Dough: 200ml milk, 100g melted margarine, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, grated zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 600g white flour, 2 teaspoons dry yeast. Filling: 300g ground walnuts, 200g granulated sugar, 375g plum jam. For the glaze: 1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk.