Plum cake with walnuts and a hint of lemon

Name: Plum cake with walnuts and a hint of lemon - Ofelia I.
Ingredients: 100 g butter; 50 g cream; 2 eggs; 125 g sugar; 150 g flour; 50 ml milk; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp lemon essence (didnt have natural); 1 tsp vanilla essence (preferably natural); 300 g plums; 50 g walnuts.

Dessert - Plum cake with walnuts and a hint of lemon by Ofelia I. - Recipia

Plum, walnut, and lemon-flavored cake If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings a touch of flavor and warmth to your home, this plum, walnut, and fresh lemon cake is the perfect choice! It beautifully combines the sweetness of the fruits with the crunchiness of the walnuts, and the creaminess adds a unique, almost decadent texture without using a large amount of butter. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this refined yet simple recipe. Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 60 minutes Total time: 80 minutes Servings: 8-10 Necessary ingredients: - 100 g butter (at room temperature) - 50 g cream (milk foam after boiling) - 2 eggs (at room temperature) - 125 g sugar - 150 g flour - 50 ml milk (preferably whole) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon lemon essence (if available, use natural essence) - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (preferably natural) - 300 g plums (fresh, but dried plums can also be used) - 50 g walnuts (chopped) Useful tips about ingredients: Cream is a less commonly used ingredient in cakes, but it can successfully replace butter while providing a distinct note. Also, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this detail is essential for achieving a uniform and fluffy composition. Plums add moisture and sweetness, while walnuts provide a crunchy texture. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as apples or peaches, depending on the season. Preparing the cake: 1. Preparing the fruits: Start by washing the plums well. Remove the pits and cut them into quarters. This step is important as the plums will add moisture to your cake, and cutting them into quarters will allow for even distribution in the mixture. 2. Sifting the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the salt and baking soda. This step helps prevent lumps in the cake and ensures a fine texture. 3. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, combine the softened butter with the sugar and mix well until you achieve a fluffy cream. Add the cream and continue mixing, then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. 4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add half of the flour and mix well. Then pour in the milk and continue mixing. Add the remaining flour and mix until homogeneous. 5. Flavoring: Finally, add the lemon and vanilla essences. These flavors will provide a fresh and pleasant taste to your cake. 6. Incorporating the walnuts and plums: Add the plums and chopped walnuts to the mixture, gently folding with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion to avoid breaking the fruit. 7. Preparing the pan: Line a round baking pan with a diameter of 21-23 cm with parchment paper. Pour the cake mixture into the pan and level the surface. 8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. When ready, place the pan on the third rack of the oven and bake the cake for about an hour. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave it inside for another 5 minutes. 9. Cooling: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to allow the cake to settle well. 10. Serving: After it has cooled, you can transfer the cake to a serving platter. Decorate with powdered sugar and grated lemon zest for an appetizing look. Serve with great appetite! A personal note: This cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. I love to enjoy it with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream, which perfectly complements the intense flavors of the plums. Nutritional benefits: Plums are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This cake, although delicious, can be a healthier choice than many other desserts due to the natural ingredients it contains. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums? - Sure! You can try apples, peaches, or even berries, depending on your preferences. 2. What can I do if I don't have cream? - You can substitute cream with butter, but you will need to reduce the amount of butter in the recipe. 3. How can I store the cake? - Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later. So, don’t wait any longer! Grab the ingredients and enjoy this plum, walnut, and lemon-flavored cake! It’s more than just a simple cake; it’s a culinary experience that will delight your senses and those of your loved ones!