Cake with walnuts, raisins, and whiskey

Nut, raisin, and whiskey cake: a delicacy with a distinctive taste

When it comes to desserts, there are few combinations that delight the taste buds as this Nut, Raisin, and Whiskey Cake does. This recipe, inspired by old traditions, pays homage to the sweets of yesteryear but with a modern and captivating twist. Whether you want to impress at a special occasion or simply indulge yourself, this cake is the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients for the base:
- 170 g raisins
- 200 ml water
- 100 g butter (soft)
- 140 g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons whiskey
- 170 g white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ lemon (juice)
- 70 g walnut (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 60 g butter (soft)
- 100 g powdered sugar (preferably, you can use 200 g, but this recipe has a less sweet version)
- 1 tablespoon whiskey
- 4 tablespoons lemon curd (a special addition)
- 4 tablespoons milk (for a creamier texture)

Ingredients for decoration:
- Raisins
- Chocolate flakes
- Grated cinnamon

Preparing the base:

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by placing the raisins in a bowl and covering them with water. Boil them for about 10 minutes to rehydrate and intensify their flavors. After boiling, drain them and keep the remaining syrup, which will be used later.

2. Creating the mixture: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the brown sugar until creamy. This will give the cake a rich texture and deep flavor. Add the egg and continue mixing until well combined.

3. Adding dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and gradually add them to the butter mixture, mixing well. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the raisin syrup and mix until evenly incorporated.

4. Including aromatic ingredients: Add the raisins, lemon juice, chopped nuts, and whiskey. All of these will give your cake a unique character.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan (or round, but we recommend a loaf pan for a more uniform shape) and bake for 30 minutes. Make sure the base is baked evenly by using a toothpick to check: it should come out clean.

Preparing the filling:

1. Creating the cream: In another bowl, mix the soft butter with the powdered sugar until creamy. Add the whiskey and lemon curd, mixing well to obtain a rich and flavorful cream.

2. Adjusting the consistency: If the cream is too thick, you can add a little milk until it reaches the desired texture. This step is essential for achieving a spreadable filling.

3. Cooling: Once the base has cooled, cut it into two layers. Spread a generous layer of cream between the two halves and cover the entire surface of the cake with the remaining cream.

Decorating the cake:

1. Final appearance: To add an attractive look, grate chocolate over the cake, sprinkle cinnamon, and place a few raisins on top. These details not only enhance the appearance but also the aroma.

2. Cooling: Let the cake cool for about an hour before serving so that the flavors can blend perfectly.

Practical tips:
- If you want a larger cake, you can double the ingredients. You can use a larger pan and adjust the baking time if necessary.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or add dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- If you replace the whiskey with another spirit, make sure the flavor is compatible with the other ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:
- Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein.
- Raisins add fiber and antioxidants.
- This cake can be a healthier choice compared to other desserts, thanks to the use of brown sugar and natural ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of raisins? Yes, you can replace raisins with dried cranberries or other dried fruits.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use lemon curd with less sugar.
3. What can I serve alongside this cake? A cup of tea or a warm drink, like a cappuccino, pairs perfectly. Also, vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream would add a pleasant contrast.

This Nut, Raisin, and Whiskey Cake is not just a dessert but an unforgettable tasting experience. Its rich flavors and moist texture will make you return to the recipe again and again. Enjoy it with loved ones and savor every bite!