Plum and Walnut Cake

Plum and Walnut Cake: A Homemade Delight

The plum and walnut cake is a dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of fruits with the crunchy texture of walnuts, offering an unforgettable taste experience. This simple yet flavorful recipe is ideal for moments when you want to treat family or friends to a special dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. So, get ready to discover a recipe that will not only sweeten your day but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every slice.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

- 300 g of flour
- 3 large eggs
- 100 g of unsalted butter
- 150 g of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 150 ml of milk
- 1 tablespoon of rum (optional, but recommended)
- 10 medium plums (ripe and juicy)
- 70-100 g of walnuts (chopped into larger pieces)

Note on Ingredients

Plums are seasonal fruits, and choosing well-ripened and fragrant plums is essential for the cake to have a special taste. Walnuts not only add a delicious flavor but also a crunchy texture that perfectly contrasts with the soft batter. Rum can be omitted, but it will provide an extra flavor to the cake, bringing a touch of warmth and depth. You can experiment by adding other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for an even more interesting variation.

Preparation Techniques

1. Preparing the Batter: Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This will help achieve a fluffy cake.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the warm milk and melted butter into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. If you choose to use rum, add it now and mix well.

3. Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This is an important step as it helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps from forming. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition, gently mixing with a spatula until homogeneous. Avoid overmixing, as the cake may become dense.

4. Preparing the Baking Pan: Line a round baking pan (26 cm) with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and to facilitate cooling later.

5. Adding the Plums and Walnuts: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Arrange them evenly on the surface of the batter, then sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top. Gently press the plums into the batter to integrate them.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes or until golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean from the center).

7. Cooling and Serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top, add whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extra delicious touch.

History of Plum and Walnut Cake

This traditional cake was often prepared in households over time, especially during the plum season. It was an ingenious way to use the fruits that ripened in gardens, and each family had its own version, adapted to local tastes and availabilities. Walnuts were added to enrich the texture and provide a source of energy.

Practical Tips

- Plums: Make sure to choose the ripest ones, as they will provide the best flavor. If you prefer, you can also use dried plums, which will add an intense sweetness.
- Walnuts: You can lightly toast the walnuts in a pan before adding them to the mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Vegan Version: You can replace the eggs with a combination of banana puree or applesauce (about 1/4 cup for each egg) and the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with fruit tea or flavored coffee. It is also delicious and simple, but can become a sophisticated dessert with the help of garnish ingredients.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of plum and walnut cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Plums are an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and K, and contain antioxidants that help combat inflammation. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contribute to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I do if I don't have fresh plums? You can use canned plums in syrup, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the cake.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake uncovered, and then wrap it well. Upon thawing, let it cool to room temperature.

The plum and walnut cake is not just a simple dessert, but a wonderful way to bring a bit of culinary traditions into your kitchen. Each slice is an invitation to savor moments spent with loved ones, enveloped in the sweet aroma of plums and crunchy walnuts. So, allow yourself to enjoy this delight and don’t forget to share the recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy!