Nut cake

Nut cake is a delicacy that combines the soft texture of the dough with the crunchy nuts and the intense flavor of apricot jam. It is a dessert that reminds us of family gatherings, when everyone would come together around the table and contribute their share to the preparation of treats. Today, I will present you with a detailed and captivating recipe that will help you bring this nostalgic taste into your kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 50 g lard (at room temperature)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 400 g flour
- 1 full tablespoon cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

For the cream:
- 300 g apricot jam (or other preferred jam)
- 250 g walnuts (finely ground)
- 150 g sugar
- 4 egg whites

For the glaze:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150 g powdered sugar
- Colorful sprinkles (for decoration)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure the lard and butter are at room temperature. If necessary, you can warm them slightly, but be careful not to melt them. These fats will give the cake a fluffy texture and a rich taste.

2. Making the dough
In a large bowl, mix the butter and lard with sugar until you get a fluffy mixture. This step is essential to incorporate air into the mixture, which will make the cake light. Add the egg, rum essence, and sour cream, mixing well until homogeneous.

3. Adding dry ingredients
Sift the flour together with the salt, baking powder, and cocoa. It is important to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour mixture over the wet ingredients. You can use a spatula or, to connect better with the dough, you can mix by hand. It is a pleasant activity and will allow you to feel the texture of the dough.

4. Preparing the baking tray
Prepare a baking tray measuring 25x35 cm. Grease it with butter and flour to prevent the cake from sticking. This step is essential to achieve a perfect dessert. Divide the obtained dough into two equal parts.

5. Forming the base
Roll out the first sheet of dough and place it in the prepared tray. The other half of the dough will be refrigerated to firm up a bit, making it easier to roll out later.

6. Preparing the walnut cream
Finely grind the walnuts. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a stiff foam. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly until you get a shiny meringue. This step is crucial to ensure a light and airy consistency of the cream. After obtaining the meringue, add the ground walnuts and mix with a spatula, using bottom-up movements.

7. Assembling the cake
Spread the apricot jam evenly over the sheet of dough in the tray. Choose the jam you like best, but apricot jam is preferred for its tart taste, which perfectly complements the nuts.

8. Adding the walnut cream
Spread the egg white and walnut cream over the jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then carefully roll out the second sheet of dough, making sure to cover everything. If you can't roll out the sheet evenly, don't worry, the glaze will hide imperfections.

9. Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes. You can check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

10. Preparing the glaze
15 minutes before the cake is done, you can start preparing the glaze. Beat the egg yolks with the powdered sugar until they triple in volume. Even if you use a manual whisk, it is a satisfying activity, and the result will be worth the effort.

11. Finishing the cake
Remove the cake from the oven and, while it is still warm, spread the glaze evenly. This step needs to be done quickly, as the glaze will harden as the cake cools.

12. Cooling and portioning
Let the cake cool completely before portioning it. You can decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles and walnut pieces for a more festive look.

Practical tips

- Sweetness control: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar by 50 grams in both the meringue and the glaze.
- Variations: Instead of apricot jam, you can use plum, sour cherry, or even raspberry jam for a different taste.
- Storing the cake: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, being even better the next day when the flavors have blended.

Nutritional benefits

The nut cake is not only a sweet treat but also brings nutritional benefits. Nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. Additionally, sour cream adds a portion of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, but the taste will be different.

- How can I make the cake less caloric?
Replace some of the lard with coconut oil or use a natural sweetener to reduce the sugar.

- What drinks go well with this cake?
A cup of herbal tea or a flavored coffee pairs perfectly with the nut cake, bringing a pleasant contrast between sweet and bitter.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is try this delicious nut cake recipe! Whether you serve it at a holiday meal or simply as a tasty dessert, it will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!