Nut and Plum Cake

Nut and Plum Cake – a delicacy that combines the rich aroma of nuts with the juicy sweetness of plums, perfect for a sweet snack at any time of the day. This recipe is not only simple but also quick, and the final result will impress anyone who tastes it. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

- 8 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar + 3 tablespoons for sprinkling
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 160 g of butter + 1 cube of butter for greasing
- 13-14 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 1 cup of walnut kernels
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 1 kg of plums

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer
- Whisk
- Baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm)
- Baking paper
- Spatula or wooden spoon

Steps to prepare the cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to melt more easily. Also, wash the plums well and let them drain.

2. Melting the butter: Place the butter in a bowl and melt it in the microwave or on the stove. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.

3. Separating the eggs: Crack the eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks, being careful not to let any yolk get into the egg whites, as this will affect the whipping.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, use the mixer to beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until they form a firm foam that does not detach from the bowl.

5. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing gently. Then, add the oil and melted (but cooled) butter and mix well.

6. Adding flavors and dry ingredients: Add the rum essence, grated lemon zest, and baking powder. Finally, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing gently with the whisk to avoid lumps.

7. Preparing the walnut kernels: In a pan, toast the walnut kernels for a few minutes until they become slightly golden. Then, chop them into smaller pieces.

8. Preparing the tray: Grease the tray with a cube of butter and line it with baking paper. Then, grease the baking paper with butter and sprinkle the toasted walnut kernels on the bottom of the tray.

9. Adding the plums: Cut the plums in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side down over the walnuts. This will allow the juice of the plums to seep into the cake, giving it a delicious flavor.

10. Pouring the mixture: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar over the plums, then carefully pour the cake mixture over them.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until it becomes golden. You can check if it's done by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it's perfectly baked.

12. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. If you are using caramelized sugar, it is essential to invert it while warm to avoid sticking. Once cooled, dust with sugar and serve with aromatic tea or coffee.

Useful tips

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. For example, if the plums are very sweet, you can reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Variations of the recipe: Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds or hazelnuts. Also, for a more exotic touch, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect contrast between warm and cold.

Nutritional benefits

The nut and plum cake not only offers a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants, while plums are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can replace the plums with apples, peaches, or apricots, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
- Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan due to the eggs, but you can experiment with flax or chia eggs as substitutes.

Conclusion

The nut and plum cake is more than just a simple recipe; it is an opportunity to bring family and friends together to enjoy a sweet moment. Whether you serve it at a festive table or as a delicious snack, each slice will bring smiles and joy. So, I wish you the best of luck in making this delicious cake, and I look forward to hearing your stories about how it turned out!