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Sweet Apricot Walnut Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. The moist texture and the delicious combination of flavors make this cake a standout recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create your own Sweet Apricot Walnut Cake at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the Apricots: In a small bowl, soak the chopped dried apricots in warm water for about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Add Apricots and Walnuts: Gently fold in the soaked apricots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you will need to adjust the sugar content since fresh apricots are less sweet than dried ones. Also, make sure to chop them into small pieces and possibly reduce the moisture in the batter.
How do I store Sweet Apricot Walnut Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this cake gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with Sweet Apricot Walnut Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat!
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