Quince and hazelnut cake

Quince and hazelnut cake - a delicious seasonal recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

On an ordinary day, I received a box full of quinces from my mother-in-law, but unfortunately, they arrived in a rather... mushy state. Instead of throwing them away, I decided to turn them into a delicious cake. This quince and hazelnut cake is not only a clever solution to make use of fruits that would otherwise be wasted, but also a dessert that will fill the house with inviting aromas and refined flavors.

The history of seasonal cakes shows us that, in the past, housewives used available fruits to create delights that would please the family. Quinces, with their distinctive aroma and slightly firm texture, are perfect for cakes. Hazelnuts add a crunchy note and a rich flavor, and together they create an irresistible combination.

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g roasted hazelnuts
- 50 g oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 large quinces
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature to achieve an even and fluffy cake. The quinces should be peeled, the seeds removed, and cut into cubes. If they are very ripe, you can leave the skin on for an interesting texture.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, ground hazelnuts (or roughly chopped for added texture), and salt. Mix well with a spatula or a whisk to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.

3. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer or a whisk. The mixture should become light in color and thicken slightly. Add the oil and rum essence, continuing to mix slowly. The aroma of rum will add a warm and comforting note to your cake.

4. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing carefully to avoid losing air. Then add the diced quinces and mix gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.

5. Baking the cake: Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. You can sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a caramelized effect, but be careful not to overdo it, as the cake will already be sweet enough. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

6. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When completely cool, you can slice it and dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions: This quince and hazelnut cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast. A cup of tea or aromatic coffee pairs perfectly!

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace the hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds, or you can add cinnamon for an even more aromatic flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the quinces.

Nutritional benefits: The quince and hazelnut cake provides a good source of fiber from the fruit, as well as protein and healthy fats from the hazelnuts. Quinces are rich in vitamins A and C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of quinces?
Yes, you can experiment with apples or pears, but the baking time may vary.

2. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but make sure it is well wrapped to prevent ice crystals from forming.

3. Can it be made without sugar?
You can replace sugar with a natural sweetener, but the final taste may vary.

The quince and hazelnut cake is a dessert that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it is a recipe that will delight you with every bite. So, learn, experiment, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!