Quince Cake

Quince Cake – A Sweet Delight for the Soul

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines sweetness with a subtle hint of fruit, quince cake is the perfect choice! This delicious cake consists of fluffy layers, a fine cream, and caramelized quince cubes, all harmonized in a way that will delight everyone's taste buds. Moreover, it is a simple recipe that can be made at home, ideal for any special occasion or simply to indulge your family.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
For the layers:
- 10 egg whites
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 vanilla essence

For the cream:
- 400 g sour cream
- 200 g fresh cottage cheese
- 150 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
- 1 packet of gelatin (10 g)

For the quince:
- 1 large, ripe quince
- 200 g sugar
- Water (enough to cover the quince)

For decoration:
- A jar of quince jam

The story behind the recipe
Quince cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a beloved dessert due to the combination of simple ingredients with the natural flavors of fruit. Quinces, with their unique texture and delicate aroma, have been used for centuries in various dishes. This cake is an excellent way to celebrate the quince season and add a touch of nostalgia to your plate.

Step by step in preparing quince cake

1. Preparing the layers
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper.

- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt on high speed until frothy.
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue. This step is essential, as the texture of the meringue will influence the fluffiness of your layers.
- Carefully incorporate the crushed egg yolks and vanilla essence, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Finally, add the sifted flour and mix again gently.

Pour the mixture into the trays and bake each layer for about 20 minutes, or until golden and passing the toothpick test. Let them cool on a rack.

2. Preparing the cream
Meanwhile, let’s work on the cream!

- In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add the fresh cottage cheese and continue mixing until well combined. Ensure that the cheese is fresh, as this will affect the final taste of the cream.
- Hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions, then melt it in a double boiler, being careful not to boil. Add it to the sour cream mixture and mix well.

3. Preparing the quince
Now let’s take care of the quince!

- Peel the quince and cut it into small cubes.
- In a pot, cover the quince cubes with water and add 200 g of sugar. Boil them until soft, but do not let them fall apart completely.
- After boiling, drain them from the syrup and let them cool.

4. Assembling the cake
Now comes the fun part!

- In a taller tray, place the first layer.
- Pour the sour cream on top and sprinkle the quince cubes.
- Cover with the second layer and press gently.
- Let the cake chill for an hour.

5. Finishing the cake
For a perfect finish:

- Mix the quince jam with the cooled syrup until it becomes a fine jelly.
- Spread this mixture over the cake and refrigerate for another hour to set.

Serving
Cut the cake into portions and serve it with a cup of green tea or a dry white wine. This combination will highlight the delicate flavors of the quince and add a touch of elegance to your table.

Useful tips
- Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin is well hydrated to avoid a grainy texture in the cream.
- Quince: Choose a ripe quince that is firm but not too hard to obtain cubes that hold their shape.
- Variations: You can try adding ground nuts to the cream or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another fruit instead of quince? Of course! Apples or pears can be a delicious alternative.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain its freshness.
- How long can it be stored? The cake can be consumed within 3-4 days after preparation if stored correctly.

Nutrition:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates from sugar and fruit, but it is important to consume it in moderation, given the amount of sugar used. A serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, but also offers a savory taste and a comforting experience.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious quince cake, which is not just a dessert, but also a way to bring a bit of tradition and warmth into your life. Bon appétit!