Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade

Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade Recipe - Traditional Romanian Dessert

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of walnuts and the sweet tanginess of marmalade. It's a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet.

History

The origins of this recipe are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have Eastern European roots. The combination of walnuts and marmalade is a classic pairing in many traditional desserts from that region.

Ingredients

1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of lard or butter
1 cup of confectioner's sugar
4 yolks
0.5 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of vanilla
flour as needed
2 oz / 50 g of ground walnuts
6 whipped egg whites
1 cup of sugar
marmalade

How to prepare

Cream 1 cup of sugar with the butter or lard and 4 egg yolks. Add sour cream, baking soda, and vanilla. Mix well, then add flour and knead until a medium soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough into a sheet the size of the baking pan. Place the sheet in the pan and spread marmalade on top.
In a separate bowl, whip 6 egg whites. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and then fold in the ground walnuts. Mix gently.
Spread this mixture on top of the dough with marmalade, smoothing it into a uniform layer. Bake at medium heat initially, then increase the heat.
Once done, cut the baked dish into squares or rectangles.

Variations

Substitute the marmalade with apricot or raspberry jam for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the egg whites are added to maintain the airy consistency.

- Adjust the baking time and temperature as needed to ensure the cake is cooked through but not overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Folding in the whipped egg whites gently will help maintain the cake's light and airy texture.

- Baking the cake at a lower temperature initially and then increasing it will ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version of this cake.

- Almonds or pecans can be used in place of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to warm before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of vitamin E from the walnuts and may also contain trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (butter, sour cream), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade is a moderately high-calorie dessert with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

This Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, it's a treat worth savoring.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. A cake with walnuts and marmalade - a perfect combination of nutty and sweet flavors that I knew would be a hit with my family. I had stumbled upon this recipe in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the delicious cake in my mind.

I had always been drawn to baking ever since I was a little girl. My mother was an excellent cook, and she would often let me help her in the kitchen. I remember watching her effortlessly whip up cakes, cookies, and pies with ease. It was like magic to me, how she could take simple ingredients and turn them into something so delicious.

As I grew older, I began experimenting with recipes on my own. I would spend hours in the kitchen, mixing and measuring, trying out new flavor combinations and techniques. Baking became my passion, my creative outlet. And so, when I came across the recipe for the cake with walnuts and marmalade, I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients - flour, sugar, eggs, butter, walnuts, and of course, marmalade. As I started to mix everything together, the aroma of the fresh ingredients filled the kitchen, reminding me of all the times I had spent baking with my mother. It was a comforting feeling, like coming home.

The cake went into the oven, and as it baked, I watched it rise and turn golden brown through the oven window. The scent of the warm cake filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, I took it out of the oven and let it cool on the counter.

I sliced a piece of the cake and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the marmalade, the crunch of the walnuts, and the moistness of the cake itself. It was perfection. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this cake countless times. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, who always request it for special occasions and gatherings. And each time I make it, I am reminded of the first time I saw the recipe and how it captured my imagination.

I often think about where this recipe came from. Was it passed down through generations, like the cookbook that it was found in? Or was it created by a talented baker who wanted to share their love of baking with the world? I may never know the answer, but what I do know is that this cake with walnuts and marmalade has brought joy to so many people, including myself.

As I sit here writing this, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes that have been handed down to me over the years. Each one tells a story, a piece of history that has been preserved through the art of cooking and baking. And so, I will continue to make this cake with walnuts and marmalade, passing it on to future generations, along with the stories and memories that come with it.

For me, baking is more than just creating delicious treats - it is a way to connect with my past, to honor the traditions that have been passed down to me. And as long as I have my trusty old cookbook and a kitchen to work in, I will continue to bake with love and passion, just like my mother and grandmother before me.