Introduction:
This Simple Jam and Walnut Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts with the sweet and fruity tang of your favorite jam.
Perfect for afternoon tea, a casual family gathering, or even as a quick snack, this cake offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.
Whether you prefer strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam, this cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. The walnuts add a lovely crunch, making every bite both moist and flavorful.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup walnut halves, chopped
For the Jam Filling:
1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your preferred variety)
For Decoration (optional):
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Extra chopped walnuts (for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts into the batter.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the cake: Once the cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Spread your choice of jam on the bottom layer. Place the top layer back on and gently press down.
Decorate: If desired, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra chopped walnuts for garnish.
Description:
This Simple Jam and Walnut Cake is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining the softness of the cake with the crunch of walnuts and the richness of the jam filling. The cake itself is moist and light, thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and milk. The walnuts add texture and a mild nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the jam. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Tips:
Walnut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Jam Choices: Experiment with different jam flavors like blueberry, apricot, or even marmalade for a unique twist on this cake.
Make it moist: If you find the cake slightly dry, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra moisture.
Store leftovers: This cake stays fresh for up to 3 days if kept in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations:
Glazed Walnut Cake: Instead of jam, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cake after baking.
Spiced Jam Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version of the cake.
Fruit and Nut Addition: Add dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries to the batter along with the walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Correction:
If you accidentally overbake the cake, it may dry out. In such cases, you can remedy it by brushing the top with a simple syrup (1 part water, 1 part sugar, boiled together until dissolved) to reintroduce moisture.
Enjoy:
Slice your Simple Jam and Walnut Cake, serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the wonderful combination of soft, moist cake, sweet jam, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for any occasion!
Feel free to tweak the recipe to your preferences!