Cake with jam and meringue frosting with nuts

The cake with jam and egg white walnut glaze is a dessert that brings back childhood memories, of moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. It is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines a fluffy texture and a sweet-sour taste, perfect for any occasion. I will guide you step by step in preparing this delight.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 16

Ingredients
For the base
- 5 eggs (to be separated into yolks and egg whites)
- 120 g sugar
- 200 g margarine or 1 package of butter
- 1 packet of baking powder mixed with lemon juice
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 300 g flour
- 70 ml milk (about a small cup)

For the middle layer
- Strawberry jam (about 250 g, but you can adjust according to your preferences)

For the glaze on top
- The egg whites from the 5 eggs
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar
- Chocolate for grating (optional, a few squares)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no yolk gets into the egg whites; otherwise, they will not rise properly.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until you get a creamy and light-colored mixture. Add the melted margarine (or butter) and mix well.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Mix the baking powder with the lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Also, add the vanilla sugar, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.

4. Incorporating the flour and milk: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing constantly. Finally, add the milk and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Baking the base: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the dough into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. The base should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Step 2: Preparing the glaze
1. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until thickened. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a shiny and firm meringue.

2. Incorporating the walnuts: Add the ground walnuts to the meringue. Use a spatula and mix with gentle up-and-down movements to keep the mixture airy.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Adding the jam: Remove the base from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spread a uniform layer of strawberry jam over the surface of the base, adjusting the amount according to your preferences.

2. Adding the glaze: Pour the walnut egg white glaze over the jam, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly.

3. Final baking: Put the cake back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the glaze turns golden.

Step 4: Finishing
1. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake has completely cooled, you can grate chocolate on top for a more attractive appearance. It is recommended to let it cool completely before cutting, so it does not crumble.

Serving and suggestions
This cake with jam and walnut egg white glaze can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea. It is a perfect dessert for Sunday evenings, parties, or gatherings with friends.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits due to the walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. The strawberry jam adds the necessary vitamins for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of jam?
Of course! You can use peach jam, raspberry, or a combination of fruits to add a personalized touch to your cake.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, but make sure to follow specific instructions to achieve a similar texture.

3. What is the secret to a perfect glaze?
Ensure that the egg whites are completely clean and that no fats have been added. Also, the sugar should be added gradually to obtain a firm meringue.

Variations and tips
- Add flavors: You can add a little cinnamon or almond essence to the dough for an extra flavor.
- Create a crunchy layer: If you want a varied texture, you can add almond flakes or coconut to the glaze.

Now it's time to start cooking and enjoy this delicious cake! I hope I have sparked your appetite and that you will share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!