Kuchen de Murta: A Delightful Chilean Berry Cake
Kuchen de Murta is a traditional Chilean cake that showcases the unique flavor of murta berries, also known as Chilean guava or strawberry guava. This delightful dessert features a luscious pastry cream layered between a crumbly streusel topping, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Follow this recipe to create a delicious Kuchen de Murta that will impress your family and friends with its delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ingredients for the Pastry Cream: | |
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Cornstarch (maicena) | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Cinnamon sticks | 2 sticks |
| Cloves | 3 whole |
| Egg yolks | 4 |
| For the Cake Base: | |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (can use a little less if desired) |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter (or margarine) | 125 grams |
| Murta (or blueberries) | 1 cup |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pastry Cream:
Begin by beating the egg yolks in a small bowl with a splash of milk. Gradually add the cornstarch and a bit more milk to dissolve the mixture thoroughly. Set this aside for later use. -
-
Cook the Cream:
In a medium-sized pot, combine the remaining milk and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture until it is just about to boil. Before it starts to bubble, add the vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and the reserved egg yolk mixture. For a smoother cream, you may strain this mixture before adding it to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and continuously stir to prevent sticking or clumping. Keep stirring until the cream thickens, then let it simmer for one more minute. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. -
Melt the Butter:
In a small bowl or a microwave-safe dish, melt the butter completely. Allow it to cool slightly before using. -
Prepare the Cake Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, the whole egg, and the melted butter. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Grease the Baking Pan:
Grease a 10-inch (26 cm) baking pan with butter to prevent sticking. -
Assemble the Base Layer:
Press half of the streusel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Ensure it is evenly distributed for a solid base. -
Add the Berries:
Distribute the murta berries evenly over the streusel layer. If desired, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the berries for added sweetness. -
Layer with Pastry Cream:
Pour the completely cooled pastry cream over the murta layer, spreading it evenly. -
Top with Remaining Streusel:
Finish by covering the pastry cream with the remaining streusel mixture, ensuring it is well-distributed. -
Bake:
Place the assembled kuchen in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. -
Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, allow the kuchen to cool in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate. For the best flavor and texture, it is ideal to serve the kuchen chilled.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 280 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 15g |
Serving Suggestions
Kuchen de Murta can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect addition to afternoon gatherings or dessert tables. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this delightful cake will surely impress with its unique flavors and appealing presentation.
Enjoy your culinary journey with Kuchen de Murta, a delightful blend of flavors that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Chile!
