Sure, let’s dive into the delightful Hazelnut and Strawberry Cake recipe! 🍓🍰 This cake, rooted in Latvian tradition and flavored with cardamom and cinnamon, promises a delightful journey through European baking heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious culinary explorer, this recipe offers a rewarding baking experience.
Hazelnut and Strawberry Cake Recipe
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry yeast | 1/4 ounce |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2/3 cup |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cardamom | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Hazelnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into a warm mixing bowl, creating a well in the center.
- Warm the milk until it is lukewarm, then stir in the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well in the flour and mix gently to form a soft batter, incorporating some of the surrounding flour.
- Cover the bowl with a cloth and place it in a warm spot to allow the batter to become spongy and bubbly.
-
Incorporate the Butter and Flavors:
- Cream the butter with the remaining sugar until smooth, then add it to the flour mixture along with the sponge.
- Mix everything by hand until it forms a soft dough. Add a little more warm milk if needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Stir in the ground cardamom and knead the dough in the bowl until it becomes smooth, elastic, and cleanly separates from the sides of the bowl.
-
First Rise:
- Press the dough down into the bottom of the bowl and sprinkle it lightly with flour.
- Cover the bowl again with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in bulk.
-
Prepare for Baking:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and knead it lightly on a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth “sausage”.
-
Assembly:
- Grease an 8-inch tube pan and place one piece of dough in the bottom.
- Make a hollow in the center of the dough and fill it with strawberry jam.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar-cinnamon mixture and half of the chopped hazelnuts over the jam.
- Cover with the second piece of dough and spread it with more strawberry jam. Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture and hazelnuts on top.
-
Final Rise and Baking:
- Cover the assembled cake in the pan and let it rise again in a warm place until it almost reaches the top of the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and cooked through.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Once cooled slightly, remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack.
- Serve slices of this Hazelnut and Strawberry Cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat!
Tips and Notes
-
Yeast Activation: Ensure the yeast is activated properly by using lukewarm milk and letting it sit until frothy. This step is crucial for the dough to rise effectively.
-
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different jams or preserves for the filling to create unique flavor combinations. Raspberry or apricot jams would also work wonderfully.
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Handling the Dough: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is key to developing the cake’s texture. Don’t rush this step!
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Baking Temperature: Start with a higher temperature to ensure a good rise, then lower it to bake the cake through without over-browning the crust.
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Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
This Hazelnut and Strawberry Cake recipe not only brings together aromatic spices and rich hazelnuts but also celebrates the joy of baking traditions from around the world. Whether enjoyed for brunch, dessert, or any occasion, it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Happy baking! 🍓🍰
