"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~ Charles W. Eliot
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"This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook - try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!" ~ Julia Child
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"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." ~ Louisa May Alcott

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Cranberry Walnut Streusel Cake

I sometimes like baking a cake for the weekend so this weekend we are enjoying a cranberry walnut streusel cake. This cake is really good and not so sweet tasting. It was the perfect way to use up leftover cranberries from the winter.


Cranberry Walnut Streusel Cake
Cranberry jam for filling:
1-1/2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tbsp. orange juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Place all three ingredients in a saucepan and boil until the berries are all popped. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Streusel mix:
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tbsp. butter, softened
Combine the dry ingredients and then rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. I like to rub this in with my hands but you can use a fork or pastry cutter.

Cake:
6 tbsp. butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons orange juice
2 eggs
Cream the first three ingredients together. Add the eggs to the mixture.

Now mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the milk:
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

Heat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.

Place half the cake mix in the pan. Sprinkle half the streusel topping over it and then carefully spoon on the cranberry jam mixture. I spoon on little bits all over and then carefully spread them out being sure not to push it into the cake mixture. Now add the rest of the cake mixture and top with the second half of the streusel.

Bake in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Bon appitit or eet smakelijk!
Heidi

1 comment:

Melanie said...

Mmm, Heidi...this looks delicious! Thank you also for the book recommendation (The Gardener). I am going to see if my library can get it for me.