Walnut Sand Cake

This delightful Walnut Sand Cake is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The cake features a soft and buttery dough, enhanced with a hint of vanilla, creating a rich and creamy texture. Each layer is filled with a generous spread of your favorite jam combined with crunchy walnuts for an irresistible nutty sweetness. The topping is a decadent chocolate glaze that envelops the cake in a smooth, rich layer, adding the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for any occasion, this cake is moderately sweet, allowing for different jams to offer varying taste experiences. It's a real crowd-pleaser, as the combination of flavors and textures create a memorable dessert experience. Whether you enjoy it as a tea-time snack or a dessert to share with friends, the Walnut Sand Cake will definitely leave your taste buds satisfied. Serve it cold to experience its full flavor potential, as the cake becomes even more scrumptious with time. Indulge in this delicious treat that not only tastes good when freshly baked but continues to be a pleasure even days afterward.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients:

• 200 g butter (or margarine if needed)
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• Vanilla sugar, optional
• 50 ml milk
• 10 g fresh yeast
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Approximately 500 g flour

Filling Ingredients:

• 150 g walnuts
• 100 g sugar
• Around 300 ml jam (if liquid, add 2 tablespoons semolina; used two types: pumpkin and beetroot)

Glaze Ingredients:

• Chocolate (optional) or make as below:
• 50 g butter (margarine won't work)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa (unsweetened, real cocoa)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Rum essence or vanilla sugar
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• Walnut pieces for decoration

Preparation Time

• Total: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by beating the softened butter (at room temperature) with sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the baking powder and the egg, mixing until creamy and homogeneous.

2. Mix in Milk: Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk, then incorporate into the creamy mixture, beating thoroughly.

3. Add Flour: Gradually add flour, starting with one cup, mixing after each addition. Continue until the dough is soft and pliable but not dry or stiff.

4. Divide and Rest: Divide the dough into three parts. If time allows, let it rest at room temperature. Otherwise, proceed immediately.

5. Shape Layers: Use a 24 cm diameter form, ideally for three layers. Roll out one part of the dough and place it in the form lined with parchment paper.

6. Prepare Filling: Toast the walnuts lightly, then blend and mix with sugar.

7. Layering: Spread half of the jam over the rolled dough, then sprinkle half the walnut mixture on top.

8. Repeat for Second Layer: Roll out the second part of the dough, place it in the form, and repeat the jam and walnut process.

9. Final Layer: Roll out the last part, place it over the filling, and prick with a fork to ensure even baking.

10. Rest and Bake: Let the assembled cake rest for 30 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 30 minutes until golden brown.

11. Cool and Remove: Allow cooling in the form. Turn it out once cooled, then flip it back over.

12. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat butter, cocoa, sugar, and rum essence until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in sour cream until smooth.

13. Apply Glaze: Allow the glaze to cool slightly until it thickens. Spread it over the cake.

14. Decorate: Scatter walnut pieces on top for a beautiful finish.

15. Serve and Enjoy: For best flavor, let the cake cool entirely before serving.

Tips

• Substitute butter with margarine in the dough if necessary, but not in the glaze.
• For a healthier version, consider using less sugar or sugar alternatives.
• Use different types of jam to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.

Nutritions (approximation per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 38g

Variations

• Substitute walnuts for almonds or hazelnuts.
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in the glaze for a tangier taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Best Places

• Bakery Nouveau - Famous for their exquisite cakes and pastries. Location: 4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, USA.
• Trianon - Known for traditional Hungarian desserts. Location: Szentendrei út 40, Budapest, Hungary.
• Café Central - A historic spot with classic Viennese ambiance. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Ladurée - Offers world-renowned macarons and elegant cakes. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Demel - A purveyor of royal pastries with a longstanding reputation. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Magnolia Bakery - Known for its cupcakes and dessert classics. Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York, USA.
• Caelum - A unique blend of history with sweets from convent recipes. Location: Carrer de la Palla, 8, Barcelona, Spain.
• Conditorei Schober - A cozy patisserie for traditional Swiss cakes. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Renowned for its luxurious pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
• Café Sacher - Home of the original Sacher-Torte. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna, Austria.