Flower cake with walnuts and plum jam

Flower nut cake with plum jam: A recipe that combines tradition with the delicacy of taste

The flower nut cake with plum jam is a recipe that not only indulges our senses but also reminds us of the beautiful moments spent in childhood. Its enticing aroma and spectacular appearance make this cake a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether we prepare it for holidays or for a simple gathering with loved ones, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 200 ml milk (choose fresh, quality milk)
- 100 g margarine (melted but allowed to cool slightly)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (the perfect sweetener)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten to enrich the dough)
- Zest of one lemon (for a touch of freshness)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 600 g white flour (ideal for a fluffy texture)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast (to make the dough rise)

*For the filling:*
- 300 g ground walnuts (contains healthy fats and is very aromatic)
- 200 g granulated sugar (for sweetness)
- 375 g plum jam (use homemade jam if possible for an authentic taste)

*For the glaze:*
- 1 egg (for a shiny appearance)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to thin the egg and make it easier to apply)

Preparing the dough:

1. Using a bread machine or your hands: If you have a bread machine, add the ingredients to the bowl in the order mentioned: milk, margarine, salt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, orange zest, flour, and yeast. Set the program for kneading and rising. If you don’t have a machine, don’t worry! You can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface until it becomes elastic and smooth.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the granulated sugar. This mixture will add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the cake.

3. Preparing the pan: Choose a round pan, ideal for giving the cake a flower shape. Line the pan with baking paper to prevent sticking.

4. The glaze: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk and set aside to use at the end.

Forming the cake:

5. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen (about an hour), place it on a lightly greased work surface. Divide it into three parts: two small for the base and top of the cake, and one large for the filling.

6. Forming the base: Take one of the small pieces and roll it out with a rolling pin to form a disc the size of the pan. Place it in the pan, spread with plum jam, and sprinkle the walnut and sugar mixture on top.

7. Rolling the filling: Take the large piece of dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread with plum jam, sprinkle with walnuts, and tightly roll it up to form a long log.

8. Cutting and arranging: Cut the log into slices about 2-3 cm thick and arrange them in the pan like the petals of a flower. If they don’t all fit, don’t worry, you can place them on top.

9. The top: Roll out the second small piece of dough into a disc slightly larger than the pan to cover the slices of dough. Tuck the edges under the petals to seal them well.

10. Final rising: With a fork, poke the dough in several places to allow air to escape. Let the cake rise for another 25-30 minutes.

Baking the cake:

11. Preheating the oven: During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

12. Brushing with glaze: Before placing the cake in the oven, brush it with the egg and milk mixture to achieve a beautiful golden crust.

13. Baking: Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

14. Finishing: As soon as the cake is ready, brush it with a spoonful of heavy cream to keep the crust soft and tender. Cover it with a towel and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Practical tips and variations:

- Try other fillings: Instead of plum jam, you can use apricot jam or marmalade, and the walnuts can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cake contains about 350-400 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the nuts.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve it plain or with a portion of sweet cream for an even richer taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I freeze the cake?: Yes, the cake can be frozen. You can slice it and keep it in aluminum foil or an airtight container.
2. How do I know if the dough is ready?: The dough is ready when it doubles in volume and is elastic to the touch.
3. What can I do to make it less sweet?: Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use sugar-free jam.

The flower nut cake with plum jam is more than just a simple dessert; it is a piece of our soul, a symbol of traditions and love in the family. Don’t forget to enjoy it with your loved ones and share this wonderful recipe! Enjoy your meal!