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Szekler Cake: A Delicacy from Memories

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't fondly remember childhood desserts? The Szekler cake, with its fluffy texture and inviting aroma, is one of those recipes that brings us back to simpler times, filled with warmth and love. Made with accessible ingredients and a relatively simple process, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from a simple coffee snack to a festive dessert.

Let's get started!

The History of Szekler Cake

Although its name may raise some eyebrows, the Szekler cake is a symbol of family culinary tradition, a recipe passed down from generation to generation. This cake combines sweet and sour flavors, offering a unique tasting experience. The tangy jam, usually made from sour cherries or apricots, is the secret that provides a pleasant contrast to the rich cream of nuts and eggs, turning each slice into a celebration of flavors.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 egg
- 210 g flour
- 70 g sugar
- 150 g butter or margarine (make sure it's at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the nut cream:
- 4 eggs
- 210 g sugar
- 200 g ground nuts
- A little semolina
- 1 jar of tangy jam (preferably sour cherry or apricot)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat at medium speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy and homogeneous cream, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

3. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the 2 tablespoons of milk or water. Mix with a spatula until the dough becomes homogeneous.

Step 2: Baking the Dough

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat).

5. Grease a 25/35 cm pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Using a spoon, place the dough in the pan and spread it evenly over the entire surface. Leveling is essential to achieve an even cake.

6. Once the dough is spread, add a generous layer of jam over the entire surface. The sour cherry jam adds a tangy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar in the dough.

7. Sprinkle a little semolina over the jam to absorb excess moisture.

Step 3: Preparing the Nut Cream

8. In a separate bowl, crack the 4 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Using the mixer, beat the eggs until they double in volume.

9. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes a thick cream and the sugar is completely dissolved.

10. Finally, incorporate the ground nuts, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

11. Pour the nut mixture over the dough in the pan, smoothing it with a spatula.

12. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and a tester inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

13. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

14. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

- Jam: Choose the jam according to your personal preferences. If you want a more intense flavor, prune or cherry jam can be an excellent choice.
- Nuts: If you want a stronger taste, lightly roast the nuts before grinding them. This will add a deep and delicious flavor to the cake.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for varied textures and flavors.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or a fragrant tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake can turn the dessert into a true feast.

Nutritional Information

This cake, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation, containing approximately 250 calories per serving. Ingredients like nuts provide nutritional benefits, being a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Additionally, using fruit jam adds essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of sugar? Yes, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may change the texture of the cake.

- How can I store the cake longer? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or, for a longer duration, in the freezer. It keeps well for several days.

- Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free? Sure! You can use gluten-free flour, but make sure it has a similar structure for the best results.

The Szekler cake is more than just a dessert; it is a part of our stories, a symbol of love and tradition. Each slice brings us a little closer to the cherished memories of childhood. So, embark on the cooking adventure and enjoy every moment!