Poppy seed cake with pears and strawberries

Poppy seed cake with pears and strawberries: a sweet delight that combines the delicate flavors of the fruits with the crunchy texture of poppy seeds! This recipe is ideal for moments when you want to treat your family or friends to an elegant yet simple dessert. Furthermore, it is perfect for being served both at a festive meal and as an everyday snack. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 5 tablespoons sparkling water
- 7 tablespoons freshly sifted white flour
- 3 firm pears
- approx. 400 g strawberries
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (for decoration)

The Story of Poppy Seed Cake with Pears and Strawberries

Poppy seed cake with pears and strawberries has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a perfect combination of simple ingredients and accessible cooking techniques. Poppy seeds, an ingredient often used in desserts, not only bring a distinctive flavor but also considerable nutritional benefits. Pears and strawberries, on the other hand, add a touch of freshness and a pleasant sweet-sour contrast.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

The first step is to separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowls you are working with are completely clean; otherwise, the egg whites will not whip well.

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites

In a bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer on medium speed until they form stiff peaks. This step is essential, as the whipped egg whites will give the cake a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Mixing the Yolks

In another bowl, add the yolks and granulated sugar. Mix them until they thicken and double in volume. This will incorporate air into the mixture, making it lighter and fluffier. At this point, add the poppy seeds as well.

Step 4: Incorporating the Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the sparkling water to the yolk mixture, continuing to mix. The sparkling water will add a slight effervescence to the mixture, which is ideal for achieving a fluffy cake.

Step 5: Sifting the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift the white flour and baking powder. This will help eliminate lumps and aerate the flour, which is important for the final texture of the cake.

Step 6: Mixing the Composition

In the yolk mixture, alternately add the sifted flour and the whipped egg whites, carefully folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture. The movements should be from top to bottom to maintain volume.

Step 7: Preparing the Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking pan with oil and dust it with flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Step 8: Preparing the Fruits

Wash the pears, peel them, and remove the cores, then sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation. Wash the strawberries well and remove the stems. Cut the pears into cubes or slices, depending on your preference, and you can leave the strawberries whole or cut them in half.

Step 9: Assembling the Cake

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level it evenly. Sprinkle the semolina on top, then randomly add the fruits: pears and strawberries. The semolina will help absorb the juices released by the fruits, keeping the cake firm.

Step 10: Baking

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean.

Step 11: Cooling and Serving

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar. Slice the cake and serve it with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Practical Tips

- For an extra flavor: You can add a splash of vanilla essence to the yolk mixture.
- For a vegan version: Replace the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water (let sit for 10 minutes).
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Poppy seeds are a good source of calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, while pears and strawberries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, this dessert is less sweet than many other cakes, making it a good choice for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without excess.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! The cake is versatile; you can experiment with apples, peaches, or even berries.
- How can I make the cake fluffier? Make sure the egg whites are whipped well and mix the composition carefully to avoid losing air.

Poppy seed cake with pears and strawberries is a simple recipe, but with a result that impresses. Not only will it delight your taste buds, but it will also bring a splash of color and fragrance to your kitchen. Try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!