Balalaika

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Spread the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom, and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the walnuts, raisins, cranberries, and dates. Spread the filling over the baked cake and return to the oven for an additional 25 minutes.
7. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired.

Interesting Facts

• The word "balalaika" is derived from the Russian word for swing.
• The traditional Russian pie is usually served with a dollop of sour cream.
• Balalaika is often served as a dessert during holidays such as Easter and Christmas.