Szekler cake

Apricot Jam and Walnut Cake - A Delicious Treat Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will tell you about a simple yet flavorful recipe: the apricot jam and walnut cake. This cake is perfect for festive occasions or simply to indulge your family with a special dessert.

A Brief History of Cakes
Cakes have a long history, being prepared in various cultures around the world. Whether served at festive events or as everyday desserts, they bring joy and comfort. This apricot jam and walnut cake combines the soft texture of the dough with the rich flavors of the filling, creating a perfect balance.

Necessary Ingredients
To make a delicious cake, make sure you have the following ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 200 g flour
- 140 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 70 g sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 jar apricot jam (about 300 g)

*For the filling:*
- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon rum
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed so that the cake rises evenly.
2. Add the soft butter cut into cubes. Use a fork or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until a texture similar to breadcrumbs is achieved.
3. Incorporate the sugar and the whole egg, mixing with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Take your time; it is important to ensure that all ingredients are well integrated.
4. Place the dough in the baking pan (size 25 x 35 cm) and spread it evenly using a spoon. Here, you can also use a spatula to achieve an even layer.

Step 2: Filling with jam
1. Once the dough is spread, take the jar of apricot jam and distribute it evenly over the dough. The jam will add a sweet-sour taste, perfect for contrasting with the walnut filling.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar. Use a whisk or a mixer on medium speed to help dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Add the lemon zest, rum, and lemon juice. These ingredients will not only enhance the flavors but will also add a touch of freshness to your cake.
3. Finally, incorporate the ground walnuts, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.

Step 4: Baking the cake
1. Pour the walnut filling over the jam-covered dough, making sure to distribute it evenly.
2. Preheat the oven to low heat (about 160-170 degrees Celsius) and place the pan inside. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
3. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving and Suggestions
After the cake has cooled, cut it into squares and serve it with a fragrant tea or aromatic coffee. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as raisins, coconut flakes, or even ground dark chocolate. Each variation will bring a new flavor to your cake.

Nutritional Information
This cake is rich in protein due to the eggs and walnuts, also providing a good source of healthy fats. The flour brings essential carbohydrates, while the apricot jam offers vitamins and antioxidants. A serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a suitable choice for an occasional dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

3. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
Since the recipe contains eggs and butter, for a vegan version, you should replace them with alternatives like coconut oil and banana.

I hope this recipe for apricot jam and walnut cake brings you joy in the kitchen and in your heart! Happy holidays with your loved ones, and don't forget to share this delicacy with friends and family!