Plum cake with walnuts and a hint of lemon

Plum, walnut, and lemon-flavored cake

When it comes to desserts, there are few combinations that can rival the juicy sweetness of plums, the crunchiness of walnuts, and the aromatic freshness of lemon. This plum and walnut cake is not just a simple dessert, but a true explosion of flavors that will delight every family member. It is the kind of recipe that blends tradition with innovation, having a story behind it – perfect for moments when you want to spend time in the kitchen but with a quick and delicious result.

Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

- 100 g butter (or 50 g clotted cream)
- 50 g clotted cream (milk foam)
- 2 eggs
- 125 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 50 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence (preferably natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (ideally natural)
- 300 g plums (fresh, pitted)
- 50 g walnuts (chopped)

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Plums: Choose ripe but firm plums. They will add moisture to the cake without making the batter too soft. Plums are rich in fiber and antioxidants, bringing both sweetness and health benefits.
- Walnuts: You can use any type of walnuts: pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Chopping them will release their flavors, but if you want a crunchier texture, you can leave some whole.
- Clotted cream: This is a special ingredient that adds richness to the cake without using a large amount of butter. If you don’t have access to clotted cream, you can use regular butter, but keep in mind it is fattier.

Recipe history:
The plum cake is often associated with family moments and childhood memories when grandmothers cooked with fresh garden ingredients. This recipe has evolved over the years, with each family adding its own personal touch. Today, it remains a favorite in many homes due to its simplicity and refreshing taste.

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This is essential for proper emulsification and an airy texture of the batter.

2. Preparing the plums: Wash the plums, cut them into quarters, and remove the pits. This is an activity you can do with the kids, turning cooking into a pleasant experience.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: Sifting the flour together with the salt and baking soda in a separate bowl will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

4. Creating the batter: In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy cream. Gradually add the clotted cream, continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.

5. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add half of the flour, mixing slowly to avoid lumps. Pour in the milk, mixing continuously, then add the remaining flour. Finally, incorporate the lemon and vanilla essences.

6. Adding the crunchy ingredients: Gently fold in the plums and walnuts into the batter using a spatula and up-and-down motions.

7. Preparing the pan: Line a round baking pan with a diameter of 21-23 cm with parchment paper. Pour the obtained batter into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Once it is heated, place the pan on the third rack from the top and bake the cake for 60 minutes.

9. Cooling: After the cake is baked, turn off the oven and let it cool inside for 5 minutes. Then remove it and let it cool completely on a rack.

Serving the cake:
To add a touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and decorate with grated lemon zest. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream, offering a pleasant contrast between warm and cold.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the plums with peaches, apples, or cherries, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or bananas to replace the eggs and vegetable oil instead of butter.

Nutritional benefits:
The plum and walnut cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Plums are rich in vitamins A and C, while walnuts provide essential fatty acids and protein. Whole flour can be used to add even more fiber.

This plum, walnut, and lemon-flavored cake is perfect for any occasion: from a simple afternoon snack to an elegant dessert for a festive meal. Cook it with love and enjoy every slice! Enjoy!