Desserts > Pastry > Puerto Rican Pastries > Quesitos

Quesito with Caramel and Walnuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk and mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, spread the caramel sauce over the top of the cake and sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 270
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Protein: 4 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar or coconut sugar
- Buttermilk: Plain yogurt or almond milk

Variations:
- Add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and caramel sauce.
- Substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Add a layer of fresh fruit before adding the caramel sauce.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the caramel sauce and walnuts.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the quesito with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Garnishes:
Whipped cream and chopped walnuts.

Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Fruit salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the caramel sauce and walnuts.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of baking.

Food History:
Quesitos are a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is made with a sweet cream cheese-filled pastry. The pastry is then topped with caramel sauce and walnuts.

Flavor Profiles:
This dessert has a sweet and creamy flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the walnuts.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Caramelized