Favorite with nuts

Nut Cake Favorite

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will prepare a delicious cake known as "Nut Cake Favorite." This cake has a story full of nostalgia and memories, so get ready for a warm and comforting experience in the kitchen.

A short story

"Nut Cake Favorite" is a recipe passed down from generation to generation, evoking childhood memories when grandma would lovingly open her recipe book and spoil us with the most delicious treats. This cake combines a fluffy base with a crunchy meringue and a tangy jam, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It is an excellent choice for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings or simply to indulge yourself.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 280 g sugar
- 280 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Flavors (vanilla, lemon/orange zest)
- 1 jar of jam (400 g) – preferably tangy (e.g., apple and quince jam)

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before putting the cake in.

2. Preparing the pan: Line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with parchment paper. This step will help the cake not to stick and will make cutting easier.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This will add air to the mixture, making the base fluffier.

4. Adding the eggs: Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is when the flavors will start to intensify, so don’t forget to add flavors like vanilla or citrus zest.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder directly into the bowl, mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated, but do not overmix, or the base will become dense.

6. Pouring the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared tray and spread it evenly with your hand. It is important to have a smooth surface so that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Baking the base
7. Bake the base: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The base should be half-baked, and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out moist but not full of batter.

Step 3: Preparing the meringue
8. Beating the egg whites: While the base is baking, start preparing the meringue. Beat the egg whites on high speed until they become frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm meringue that holds peaks.

9. Incorporating the walnuts: Add the ground walnuts to the meringue, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
10. Adding the jam: Once the base is half-baked, remove the tray from the oven. Spread the jam evenly over the warm base. Choose a tangy jam, such as apple and quince compote, which will balance the sweetness of the cake.

11. Adding the meringue: Spread the walnut meringue over the jam, smoothing it evenly. Make sure the meringue completely covers the jam to avoid burning.

Step 5: Final baking
12. Baking the cake: Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue turns brown and crispy. I recommend watching the cake, as baking times may vary depending on the oven.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
13. Cooling: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the tray. After it has cooled, cut the cake into squares and serve.

Tips and tricks
- Jam: Choose a quality jam, preferably homemade or from local farmers. A tangy jam will add a note of freshness to the cake.
- Nuts: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to create an interesting variation of the recipe.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream can enhance the flavor experience.

Nutritional benefits
The "Nut Cake Favorite" contains nutritious ingredients, and nuts provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Additionally, fruit jam brings a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of jam? Of course! Experiment with different types of jams. Choose one that suits your taste.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Although the taste will be different, you can use margarine. Just make sure it is a quality one.

Now that you have discovered how to prepare this simple and delicious cake, don’t hesitate to try it at home. It will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy!