Strawberry and walnut cake

Strawberry Jam and Walnut Cake: A Lenten Delicacy, Easy to Prepare

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, sometimes we need something simple yet incredibly delicious. The Strawberry Jam and Walnut Cake is a perfect choice. This recipe is not only suitable for fasting days, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. The history of this cake is lost in the mists of time, being a rustic recipe passed down from generation to generation, retaining its charm and flavor.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 cup warm water (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 cup strawberry jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- ½ cup sugar (100 g)
- ½ cup oil (120 ml)
- 1 cup ground walnuts (approximately 100 g)
- 3 cups flour (approximately 360 g)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (approximately 30 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (8 g)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon or orange
- A pinch of salt

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Ensure that the strawberry jam is at room temperature for easy mixing into the batter.

2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm water with the strawberry jam. Use a whisk or spatula to mix well until the jam dissolves in the water. Then, add the oil, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Continue mixing until the sugar completely dissolves. It is important that no sugar crystals remain, so make sure to mix thoroughly.

3. Adding the Dry Ingredients: Now, add the cocoa powder, salt, and lemon or orange zest, followed by the baking powder activated with a tablespoon of vinegar. The vinegar helps activate the baking powder, giving the cake a fluffy texture. Mix all the ingredients well.

4. Incorporating the Flour and Walnuts: Begin to incorporate the flour gradually, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Finally, add the ground walnuts and mix gently until everything is well combined.

5. Preparing the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Meanwhile, prepare a round baking pan (or a square one if you prefer) by lining it with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

6. Baking the Cake: Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is beautifully golden and passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it means it is baked.

7. Cooling and Serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast.

Useful Tips:

- To enhance the flavor of the cake, you can add a few drops of vanilla or rum essence to the batter.
- If you don't have strawberry jam on hand, you can also use other fruit jams, such as sour cherry or apricot, depending on your preferences.
- It is a versatile recipe; you can also add chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:

This strawberry jam and walnut cake is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while strawberries offer a rich supply of vitamin C and antioxidants. Whole flour, if you choose to use it, can add extra fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I substitute the oil with butter?
Yes, but the recipe becomes more caloric, and the cake will no longer be suitable for fasting.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. It can also be frozen to enjoy later.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is completely vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Serving Suggestions:

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can also combine it with warm chocolate sauce or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.

The Strawberry Jam and Walnut Cake is a wonderful choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal, a party with friends, or simply a quiet evening at home. Enjoy!