Nut and raisin cake

Nut and Raisin Cake - A Quick and Economical Delight

If you are looking for a delicious dessert that impresses both with taste and appearance, then the nut and raisin cake recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is not only quick and economical, but it also offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will make anyone fall in love with it. It is a versatile dessert, perfect for serving at a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 1 and a half cups of sugar
- 1 and a half cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 package of butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 bag of raisins
- 1 handful of walnuts (finely chopped)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon

Recipe preparation:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy cake. Make sure the bowls you use are clean and dry, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.

2. Soak the raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with warm water and vanilla essence. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes to become juicy and flavorful. This step will add a touch of sweetness and vanilla to your dessert.

3. Prepare the lemon zest: Grate the lemon zest and sprinkle it with sugar. This will extract the flavors from the zest, adding a fresh and citrusy taste to the cake.

4. Beat the yolks: In a large bowl, combine the 5 yolks with the softened butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix everything with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.

5. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. When they start to form bubbles, gradually add the remaining sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm meringue.

6. Combine the ingredients: In the yolk mixture, add the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air. Then, incorporate the sifted flour, mixing gently until well combined.

7. Incorporate the baking powder: Activate the baking powder with lemon juice. Add it to the mixture along with the prepared lemon zest and vanilla sugar.

8. Divide the mixture: Divide the mixture into two bowls. In one, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa and the chopped walnuts, mixing well. In the other, incorporate the soaked raisins along with the vanilla essence.

9. Form the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place a baking sheet in the pan and grease it with butter or oil. Pour the walnut and cocoa mixture into one corner of the pan, then pour the raisin mixture into the other corner. You can use a spatula to create beautiful patterns.

10. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is well risen and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean).

11. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant touch.

Useful tips:
- You can also use other nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, to vary the texture and flavor of the cake.
- Instead of raisins, you can add dried blueberries or candied cherries.
- Adding pieces of dark chocolate to the walnut mixture will enhance the flavor and add a decadent element.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats due to the nuts. The raisins add natural sweetness and antioxidants, making it a healthier dessert compared to others with refined sugar.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use oil instead of butter? Yes, you can use sunflower oil or coconut oil, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

Serving suggestions:
This nut and raisin cake is delicious served plain, but it can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea. It is perfect for enjoying in the company of loved ones or as a snack during the day.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making a nut and raisin cake! It is a wonderful way to bring a touch of love and warmth into every bite. Cooking is an art, and this cake is a masterpiece that you can easily create from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!