Some desserts are so delicious and versatile that they become instant family favorites. This walnut and apricot jam cake with a decadent chocolate glaze is one of those recipes. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make for a weekend treat. Let’s get started on this delightful layered cake!
Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers:
- 5 eggs
- Sugar (to taste, about 100g or ½ cup recommended)
- A pinch of salt
- 100g (1 cup) ground walnuts
- 70g (about ½ cup) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (phosphate-free, if possible)
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
For the Filling and Glaze:
- Apricot jam (preferably tart)
- 100g (3.5 oz) chocolate
- A small knob of butter
- A few tablespoons of milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a rectangular or round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the ground walnuts, flour, baking powder, and vanilla essence. Mix until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
- Warm the apricot jam slightly in a small saucepan or microwave to make it easier to spread.
- Spread a generous layer of jam on one half of the cake, then top with the second layer. Spread a thin layer of jam over the top and sides of the assembled cake to act as a base for the glaze.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate with the butter and a few tablespoons of milk over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and shiny.
- Pour the glaze over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it set at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve it as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The tartness of the apricot jam beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Filling: If apricot jam isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with raspberry jam, orange marmalade, or even a creamy filling like hazelnut spread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a fluffier cake, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before whisking.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
The combination of nutty layers, tart jam, and rich chocolate glaze makes this cake a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging your sweet cravings.
Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Enjoy baking!
