Figaro cake, my mother's recipe

Figaro Cake – The Recipe of Childhood

Figaro Cake is a delicacy that reminds me of the beautiful moments spent in my mother's kitchen, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes filled the entire house. This simple yet flavorful recipe will make you reminisce about your childhood and delight your family and friends. Whether you serve it at a birthday party or simply want to treat yourself, Figaro Cake is the perfect choice!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

- 1 package of margarine (250 g), at room temperature
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 5 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar or the grated zest of an orange/lemon
- 1 essence of rum (or other preferred flavors)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 200 ml milk (one cup)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 jar of jam (preferably apricot, but any jam will work)
- 2 handfuls of walnuts, chopped
- 200 g sugar (for egg whites)
- 350 g flour
- Grated chocolate (optional, for decoration)

Preparing Figaro Cake

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Ensure that the margarine is at room temperature so that it mixes easily with the sugar. This will give the cake a fluffy texture.

2. In a large bowl, add the margarine and 200 g of sugar. Use an electric mixer to mix well until you achieve a light and airy foam. This process is essential for a fluffy cake.

3. Add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and gently mix. This will give an intense flavor and a beautiful color to the dough.

4. Incorporate the egg yolks, one at a time. Ensure that the first yolk is fully integrated before adding the next.

5. Add the flavors: vanilla sugar and rum essence. Here you can be creative – you can also try other flavors you like, such as almonds or even a splash of coffee.

6. Start adding the milk, mixing continuously. This will help to homogenize the dough.

7. Finally, incorporate the flour mixed with the baking powder. Mix gently until you no longer see streaks of flour. It is important not to overmix, otherwise the cake will become dense.

Step 2: Baking the dough

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a large baking tray (approximate dimensions: 30x40 cm) greased with a little oil or margarine and lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Pour the dough into the prepared tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

3. Bake the dough for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 3: Creating the meringue layer

1. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the 200 g of sugar and continue to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. You can do this manually or with an electric mixer.

2. Once the dough is half-baked (about 30-35 minutes), remove the tray from the oven.

3. Use a fork to gently poke the dough in several places. This will allow the jam to penetrate the dough.

4. Spread the jam evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and then add the egg white meringue, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Finishing the cake

1. Put the tray back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the meringue becomes firm and slightly golden.

2. Once the cake is done, let it cool completely in the tray.

3. If you wish, you can grate a little chocolate on top for added flavor and appearance.

4. Cut the cake into squares or triangles and serve it with a warm tea or aromatic coffee. It’s a perfect combination!

Nutritional benefits

Figaro Cake, although a rich dessert, contains ingredients that can bring benefits. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, cocoa brings antioxidants, while fruit jam adds vitamins and fiber. It’s important to enjoy the cake in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Variations and practical tips

1. Vary the jam: Instead of apricot jam, you can use raspberry, cherry, or even peach jam. Each flavor will add a different note to the cake.

2. Add spices: An interesting idea is to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra flavor.

3. Glaze: If you want to impress, you can prepare a glaze from melted chocolate to pour over the cake after it has cooled.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can use butter, but make sure it is at room temperature to mix well.

- How can I store the cake? Figaro Cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake cut into portions. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

Figaro Cake is a recipe that will not only remind you of childhood days but will also become a favorite among your loved ones. It is easy to make and can be customized according to your preferences. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!