Walnut cake with sour cherries and coffee cream

Nut Cake with Sour Cherries and Coffee Cream – A Delightful Treat

This nut cake with layers of juicy sour cherries and coffee cream is a true culinary treasure, combining unique textures and flavors. It is the perfect recipe to impress guests or to add a touch of sweetness to festive meals. Although it has several steps, each one is simple and satisfying. Let's embark on a culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 140 g lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 70 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet baking powder
- Sour cream (as needed, approximately 100-150 g)

For the topping:
- 6 large eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 3 tablespoons flour

For the cream:
- 100 ml brewed coffee (preferably freshly made)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 150 g margarine (we recommend Unirea Margarine)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Grated chocolate (for decoration)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Base Layer

We start by preparing the base layer. In a large bowl, mix the flour, diced lard, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or a pastry cutter to achieve a smooth mixture. Add the egg and then gradually incorporate the sour cream until you obtain a soft and easy-to-roll dough.

Helpful tip: If you want a crispier layer, use butter instead of lard. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla essence for extra flavor.

2. Baking the Layer

Roll out the dough in a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) lined with parchment paper. Spread the layer with strawberry jam (or any other preferred jam) and place the pitted sour cherries on top.

Create a moment of inspiration: If you have fresh sour cherries, use them for a more intense flavor! You can also substitute sour cherries with cherries or peaches, depending on your preferences.

3. Preparing the Walnut Topping

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a firm foam. Add the egg yolks one at a time, continuing to mix. Then incorporate the ground walnuts and the 3 tablespoons of flour. Pour the mixture over the layer of sour cherries in the tray.

4. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, until it turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tray.

5. Preparing the Coffee Cream

In a saucepan, add the coffee, sugar, the 2 tablespoons of flour, and the egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Then, let the cream cool slightly before mixing it with the softened margarine.

Chef's tip: For an extraordinary flavor, add a teaspoon of rum or vanilla essence to the coffee cream.

6. Assembling the Cake

Once the topping has cooled, pour the coffee cream on top and level it with a spatula. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for an elegant finish.

Serving and Pairings

Let the cake chill for a few hours (or even overnight) before cutting it. It is delicious served alongside a cup of coffee or fragrant tea. It also pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from walnuts. The sour cherries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, while coffee is known for its energizing properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
Sure! Cherries, peaches, or even raspberries are excellent alternatives.

Is it possible to use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, and the cake will have a more earthy taste.

How can I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

Variations

- For a chocolate flavor: Add 50 g of cocoa to the topping mixture.
- For a tropical taste: Try replacing the sour cherries with fresh pineapple or mango.

This nut cake with sour cherries and coffee cream is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each piece is a little joy. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delight!