Walnut Fig Cake: A taste of Albanian Tradition
Description
Dive into the rich world of Albanian cooking with this Walnut Fig Cake recipe from Votra Magazine. This delightful cake brings together earthy, nutty walnuts and sweet, juicy figs, ingredients deeply rooted in Albanian cuisine and culture. If you love Eating Albanian and want to explore Albanian recipes, this traditional dessert is a perfect addition to your table!
A Note on Figs and Walnuts in Albanian Cuisine
Walnuts and figs hold a special place in Albanian cooking. Figs, native to the Mediterranean, are often enjoyed fresh or dried and bring a natural sweetness to Albanian recipes. During the harvest season, walnuts are prized for their robust, earthy flavor and are commonly used in desserts and savory dishes alike. In this recipe, the delicate balance of figs and walnuts creates a harmonious taste that feels like a true celebration of Albania’s culinary heritage.
For a twist, you can also use whole dried figs soaked in a little liqueur or syrup. This adds an extra layer of depth, enhancing the fig flavor and giving the cake a tender, sweet bite that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
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Set your fan oven to 350°F (180°C), ensuring an even bake for this beautiful Albanian-inspired dessert.
Prepare the Batter
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In a large bowl, cream together the soft salted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg whites and whole egg, mixing well after each addition to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Add the Walnuts
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Stir in the chopped walnuts, blending them thoroughly into the batter. The walnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor, adding to the rustic charm of this Albanian recipe.
Finish the Batter
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Fold in the crème fraîche or strained yogurt, then add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, creating a balanced, dense texture.
Prepare Your Baking Dish
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Butter a 20cm (8-inch) round baking dish, and line the bottom with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Cake
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared tin. Place the fig halves on top, gently pressing them into the batter. If using pre-soaked dried figs, simply arrange them on top of the batter for a beautiful presentation.
Bake to Perfection
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Bake the cake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. To avoid over-browning, cover the cake with foil halfway through baking. Begin checking for doneness after 45 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary.
Garnish and Serve
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Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts on top. For a true Albanian touch, serve alongside sour cream, crème fraîche, kajmak, or maze.
Note
A Sweet Tradition from Albania
This Walnut Fig Cake embodies the essence of Eating Albanian, combining rustic ingredients with rich flavors that speak to Albania’s rich culinary tradition. Whether shared with family or served at gatherings, this Albanian recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a deep connection to Albanian cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Albanian Dessert Recipe
The combination of juicy figs and earthy walnuts, paired with the option of using syrup-soaked dried figs, gives this cake a luxurious taste that captures the best of Albanian ingredients. Try this recipe to experience the flavors of Albania, and let Votra Inc inspire you to bring Albanian cooking into your home.
Explore more Albanian recipes with Votra Inc and discover the vibrant, authentic flavors of Albanian cuisine. For those who are passionate about Eating Albanian, this Walnut Fig Cake will make an inspiring addition to your culinary repertoire.
