Imagine a dessert so delightful that it literally brings people together - the Lenja Pita Serbian Friendship Cake is not just a recipe, it's a cultural experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen! This traditional Serbian treat is more than just a cake; it's a sweet testament to hospitality, warmth, and the incredible power of sharing food with loved ones. With its rich, nutty layers and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake promises to transform an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary celebration of friendship and flavor.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Serbian
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the 4 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Fold in the 1 cup of ground walnuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the remaining ground walnuts over the first layer of batter, creating a nutty layer.
- Carefully pour the remaining batter over the walnut layer, spreading it evenly to cover the nuts completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling slightly, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice the Lenja Pita Serbian Friendship Cake into squares and serve. Enjoy with friends and family!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother batter integration.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Nut Preparation: Lightly toast ground walnuts before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Baking Precision: Use the toothpick test to ensure perfect doneness - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent moisture absorption.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a strong Serbian coffee or sweet dessert wine for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
