Sponge cake with whipped cream and apricot jam

Buttermilk cake with apricot jam - a sweet delight that's easy to prepare

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a simple and delicious dessert? Buttermilk cake with apricot jam is a perfect example of a recipe that combines simplicity with flavor, transforming the ingredients we often have in the fridge into something truly special. This cake is neither a loaf nor a tart, but a delightful combination that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

A bit of history

This cake originates from the desire to avoid wasting ingredients, being an ingenious way to utilize leftover buttermilk. Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient, rich in probiotics and nutrients, that can strengthen the immune system. Over time, many culinary traditions have emerged from the desire to create delicacies from simple and accessible ingredients, and this recipe is part of that heritage.

To achieve a perfect result, let's embark on a step-by-step culinary journey.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 ml buttermilk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 6 tablespoons coconut
- 6 tablespoons semolina
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 baking powder
- Oil for greasing the pan
- Apricot jam (homemade or store-bought)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is essential that all ingredients are at room temperature to blend better. You can also use homemade buttermilk if you have the time and patience to prepare it. The apricot jam can be made at home or you can opt for a quality store-bought one. Make sure it is well-set and does not contain unpleasant additives.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This will allow the cake to rise evenly and bake properly.

Step 3: Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, add the 4 eggs and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs together with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color, which will add air to the cake and make the texture fluffier. Then add the buttermilk and gently mix to combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate the dry ingredients

Sifting the flour, semolina, and baking powder is an important step. This process will help eliminate any lumps and ensure a fine texture. Add the flour, semolina, vanilla sugar, and coconut to the wet mixture and gently fold with a spatula until all ingredients are well integrated. Avoid overmixing to prevent developing gluten in the flour, which could make the cake denser.

Step 5: Prepare the pans

Grease two baking pans with oil and dust them with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans, ensuring it is distributed evenly.

Step 6: Add the apricot jam

Now comes the most delicious part! Add the apricot jam on top of the batter in each pan. I recommend using a spoon to create small cups of jam so that it integrates perfectly into the cake during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place the two pans in the preheated oven and let them bake for 50 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to avoid letting steam escape, which could prevent the cake from rising properly.

Step 8: Cool and serve

After the baking time is up, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. Once they are completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an impressive look.

Serving suggestion

You can serve the cake with a fragrant tea or a glass of milk. Also, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream would add an extra touch of flavor. Plated on a beautiful dish, the cake will surely become the star of the meal.

Recipe variations

This cake can be customized according to your preferences. For example, you can replace the apricot jam with berry jam or peaches. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for an extra crunch and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use homemade buttermilk?
Absolutely! Homemade buttermilk will add an authentic and fresh taste to your cake.

2. What else can I use instead of apricot jam?
You can experiment with other jams or even fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries.

3. How long does the cake last?
The cake keeps well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week.

4. Is it possible to make the cake without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives, but the final result may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs and also contains calcium from the buttermilk. Coconut provides healthy fats, and the apricot jam adds delicious flavor and vitamins.

Conclusion

Enjoy this buttermilk cake with apricot jam, an easy-to-make recipe that combines tradition with modern flavor. It will surely impress anyone who tastes it! So, don't hesitate to prepare it and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!