Nut and Fruit Cake

Nut and Fruit Cake – an explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion, from gatherings with friends to festive family meals. This delicacy is not just a simple dessert, but a recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a true feast for the taste buds. I invite you to discover the steps to prepare this wonderful cake, which will impress anyone who tastes it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 6 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 150 g nuts (preferably mixed: Romanian walnuts and hazelnuts)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon rum (you can also use rum essence for a non-alcoholic version)
- 25 g butter (for greasing the pan)
- 75 g dark chocolate
- 75 g white chocolate
- 4-5 tablespoons coconut
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 300-400 g fruit of your choice (we recommend strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or bananas)

Brief History

The nut and fruit cake is a traditional recipe, beloved by many generations, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Combining sweetness with crunchy textures and fruity flavors, this cake has become a symbol of joy and celebrations. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to seasonal fruits and personal preferences.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

Step 1: Preparing the Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Clean the nuts and chop them coarsely. It is important that the nuts are not finely ground, to add texture to the cake.
3. Separating the eggs: in a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks.
4. Beat the yolks: add the 8 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar to the bowl with the yolks. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until you obtain a thick, light-colored cream, and the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Adding the dry ingredients: incorporate the flour and chopped nuts. It is important to do this gradually, gently mixing with a spatula, so as not to lose the air in the mixture.
6. Egg whites: beat the egg whites until stiff and glossy. Add them to the yolk mixture, gently folding in circular motions until combined.
7. Rum: add the rum (or rum essence) and mix gently.
8. Preparing the pan: grease a pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, then pour the mixture evenly.
9. Baking: place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is well set and passes the toothpick test (it should come out clean).

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Syrup

1. Grate the dark chocolate and place it in a bowl.
2. In a saucepan, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar with 200 ml of hot water. Gradually add the grated chocolate, stirring until completely dissolved. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Preparing the cream: in another saucepan, heat the liquid cream. When it starts to boil, add the white chocolate and stir until it completely melts. Let it cool, then place it in the freezer for about 2 hours or in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Cooling the cake: after removing the cake from the oven, let it cool completely on a rack.
2. Cutting: cut the cake into squares or use a round mold to create elegant portions.
3. Syrup: dip each piece of cake into the chocolate syrup, then roll them in coconut for a decorative effect and a spectacular flavor.

Step 4: Serving

1. Garnishing: for a special appearance, add a dollop of cream on each piece of cake and decorate with the chosen fruits. Here you have the freedom to use fresh fruits or even fruit compotes, depending on your preferences.
2. Serving suggestions: this cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant tea or a strong espresso. Also, a sweet wine or a fruit liqueur can enhance the experience.

Practical Tips

- Flour: use good quality flour to achieve a fluffy cake.
- Chocolate: choose high-quality chocolate for a tastier syrup. Dark chocolate will add a hint of bitterness, while white chocolate will provide a delicate sweetness.
- Variations: you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, and with different fruits, such as blackberries or blueberries, to create a unique cake each time you make it.
- Egg whites consistency: make sure the egg whites are beaten well to give the cake an airy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and contains healthy fats from the nuts, making it a better choice than many other commercial desserts. The nuts provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals, while fresh fruits offer essential antioxidants for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or a natural sweetener, but make sure to adjust the quantity to taste.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the mixture or opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to syrup it before freezing. You can syrup it after removing it from the freezer and letting it thaw.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.

This nut and fruit cake recipe is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to make it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!