Nothing heralds the arrival of the holiday season quite like the sweet aromas of festive baking wafting through the kitchen. If you’re looking to add a touch of Spanish flair to your Christmas spread, consider baking a delightful Tarta De Castañas, also known as Chestnut Cake. This traditional Spanish dessert combines the rich, nutty flavor of chestnuts with a hint of warm spices, creating a treat that is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a cozy winter evening, this Chestnut Cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your seasonal repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked and peeled chestnuts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, and set it aside.
2. In a food processor, pulse the cooked chestnuts until they resemble coarse crumbs. Set the chestnut mixture aside.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the processed chestnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Chestnut Cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
12. Slice and serve the Tarta De Castañas Chestnut Cake as a delightful treat for your holiday season gatherings or as a special indulgence for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Enjoy the warm and nutty flavors of this Spanish-inspired Chestnut Cake, perfect for celebrating the magic of the holidays. Whether you serve it as a dessert at a festive dinner or savor it during a quiet moment of relaxation, this delightful treat is sure to bring joy and comfort to your home this Christmas season.
