Zelten Trentino – Traditional Italian Fruit and Nut Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that carries the charm and flavors of the Italian Alps, look no further than Zelten Trentino. This traditional cake hails from the Trentino region and is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of rum, making it an ideal treat for festive occasions. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, as it can easily serve up to 10 people. The cake’s rich and textured consistency, combined with its delightful decorative touches, makes it a standout at any gathering. This recipe, with a balance of sweet fruits and earthy nuts, offers a wonderful mix of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of the Dolomites.
Ingredients for Zelten Trentino
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Figs | 500g |
| Malaga Raisins | 70g |
| Pine Nuts | 40g |
| Sultanina Raisins | 40g |
| Blanched Almonds | 40g |
| Walnuts | 40g |
| Hazelnuts | 40g |
| Sugar | 100g |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 250g |
| Butter (melted) | 80g |
| Baking Powder | 16g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Water | 1 tbsp |
| Rum | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fats | ~16g |
| Saturated Fats | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugars | ~22g |
| Sodium | ~35mg |
Instructions for Making Zelten Trentino
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Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts:
Begin by chopping the dried figs into thin strips, and slice the Malaga raisins into smaller pieces. Add the chopped figs and raisins to a large mixing bowl. Include the sultanas, pine nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, and a few of the blanched almonds for added texture. Pour in the rum and allow the mixture to macerate for about 1 hour. This step allows the fruit to soak in the rum, making it tender and flavorful, which will infuse the cake with a rich aroma. -
-
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
While the fruits and nuts are macerating, separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until they become pale and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Slowly incorporate the melted butter into the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients smoothly. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour and baking powder together to remove any lumps and ensure an even distribution of the baking powder. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring to combine. The batter will be thick and sticky, which is perfectly normal for this type of cake. -
Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts:
Now, gently fold the macerated fruit and nut mixture into the batter. Stir carefully to avoid crushing the fruit too much. The batter will become a rich, dense mix full of fruit and nut pieces, with the rum aroma intensifying as you mix. -
Whisk the Egg Whites:
In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar until they form stiff peaks. This will help give the cake its light and airy texture despite the dense fruit and nut additions. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two or three additions. Be sure to fold the mixture delicately so as not to deflate the egg whites. -
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Grease a rectangular baking pan (about 20×25 cm) with butter and lightly flour it to prevent sticking. Once the pan is prepared, transfer the cake batter into it, spreading it evenly with a spatula. -
Decorate the Cake:
To make the Zelten truly beautiful, take a handful of the remaining blanched almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts, and decorate the top of the cake. You can arrange them in a beautiful pattern, such as along the edges or in flower-like shapes with the walnuts and pine nuts. If you enjoy the sweet addition of candied fruit, feel free to add it at this stage as well, pressing it gently into the batter for a festive touch. -
Brush with Egg Wash:
For an extra glossy finish, brush the top of the cake with a beaten egg yolk. This step will give the cake a beautiful golden hue as it bakes and add a delicate shine to the surface. -
Bake the Zelten:
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the decorated cake in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes. During baking, check the cake occasionally. If the surface begins to darken too much, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook. -
Cool and Serve:
After 90 minutes, check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Zelten is often served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
Serving Tips
Zelten Trentino can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful dessert or paired with a cup of strong coffee or tea. It also makes a perfect gift during the holidays, as its rich, dense texture and festive look are sure to impress anyone who receives it. For an even more indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or a drizzle of honey.
Why You’ll Love Zelten Trentino
Zelten Trentino is a celebration of the flavors and ingredients that define the Trentino region. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and rum creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy a cake with texture and substance, making it the perfect companion for a winter gathering or a holiday feast.
Its versatility also shines through, as it can be easily adapted to your tastes. Feel free to add different fruits, such as dried apricots or candied peel, and experiment with various nuts for a truly custom cake. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or gifting it to friends, Zelten Trentino is a memorable treat that brings the warmth of Italy into your home.
