Hungarian cake

Hungarian Cake: A Simple Yet Refined Delight

If you're looking for a dessert that combines flavor and ease of preparation, the Hungarian cake is the perfect choice. This cake, with a layer of delicious jam and a rich nut cream, will win you over with the first bite. It's a dessert that evokes memories of moments spent around the table with family, being a traditional recipe that is part of many culinary cultures. Get ready to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

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

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 70 g sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1 egg
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- Juice of half a lemon (to activate the baking powder)

For the cream:
- 210 g sugar
- 210 g ground walnuts (you can also use almonds for a different version)
- 4 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- Half a jar of plum jam (or any preferred jam, such as apricot or cherry)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the sugar, egg, butter, and sour cream until you obtain a homogeneous and creamy mixture. You can use an electric mixer to make this step easier. Activate the baking powder with lemon juice and add it to the mixture above.

2. Adding the flour:
Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. When the dough becomes homogeneous, roll it out on a floured work surface, forming a thin sheet. Transfer the sheet to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. The jam:
Spread the plum jam evenly over the dough sheet. This will add a delicious contrast between the sweetness of the jam and the rich flavor of the nuts.

4. Preparing the cream:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, cream the yolks with the sugar until you get a light-colored cream. Add the ground walnuts and mix gently. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites with a spatula, being careful not to deflate them.

5. Assembling:
Pour the walnut cream over the jam layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the cake is firm to the touch. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray.

7. Serving:
Cut the cake into squares or triangles, as preferred. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added flavor.

Helpful tips:

- Jam variation: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot, blackberry, or raspberry, to add a personal touch to your cake.
- Nuts: If you want to intensify the flavor, you can lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the cream.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream by 50 g.

Nutritional benefits:
This Hungarian cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs and nuts. Nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health. Additionally, the fruit jam provides vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber.

- How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

- What pairs well with this cake?
The Hungarian cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it alongside a glass of cold milk or a fruit smoothie.

In conclusion, the Hungarian cake is a dessert that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a gathering with friends or to treat your family, this dessert will bring smiles and applause. So, put on your kitchen apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a homemade delight!

 Ingredients: DOUGH 300g flour 70g sugar 100g butter 1 tablespoon sour cream 1 egg 1 packet baking powder CREAM 210g sugar 210g ground walnuts 4 eggs + half a jar of plum jam (or as needed)

 Tags:  jam cake