Homemade cake with layers and jam
Homemade Layer Cake with Jam – a delicacy you'll want to make again and again! This refined cake, with its tender layers of pastry and jam, is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. Plus, it's easy to make, and the final result will make you feel like a true pastry chef.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 1 egg
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 150 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 jar of plum jam
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preparing the pastry
In a large bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until you achieve a frothy mixture. Add the honey and soft butter, mixing well to combine the ingredients.
A secret to getting tender pastry is to ensure the butter is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, the layers won’t roll out evenly and will become tough.
Next, dissolve the baking soda in the lemon juice and add it to the egg mixture. Incorporate the lemon zest, salt, and flour, mixing until you get an elastic dough.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving layers that are easy to roll out and tender.
Step 2: Baking the pastry
Once the dough has chilled, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Each piece will become a delicious layer. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece into a thin layer.
A trick for achieving uniform layers is to use a rolling pin. Make sure not to apply too much pressure, so they don’t tear.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan oven). Place the layers on the back of a greased and floured baking tray. Bake each layer for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Preparing the cream
In a saucepan, mix the milk with the sugar and place it over medium heat. When it starts to boil, add the cornstarch dissolved in a little cold milk, whisking continuously.
Keep stirring until the cream thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. It’s important to keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Once the cream has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter and lemon juice. Mix well, then let the cream cool completely.
Step 4: Assembling the cake
Now that you have all the elements ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place the first layer on a serving platter, then spread half of the vanilla cream on top.
Add the second layer and spread it with plum jam. This is an excellent choice, but you can also experiment with other jams, such as apricot or raspberry, depending on your preferences.
Continue with the third layer, add the remaining cream, and finish with the last layer. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 5: Serving
Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake for an elegant touch. Cut the cake into squares or triangles, depending on your preference.
Serving suggestions
Homemade layer cake with jam pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to impress your guests, try serving it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional information
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, but should be consumed in moderation, containing about 300 calories per serving. However, ingredients like honey and lemon provide additional benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamins.
Tips and variations
To add an extra layer of flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the milk cream. You can also experiment with different jams or even a chocolate filling to turn the cake into a decadent dessert.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, you can use any jam you prefer. Raspberry or apricot jam is also very tasty.
2. How long does it keep?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but it will be consumed faster due to its delicious taste!
3. Is it possible to make the layers gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace regular flour with gluten-free flour, ensuring you follow the correct proportions.
This homemade layer cake with jam will not only delight your taste buds but will also become a family favorite. So don’t hesitate to make it and share this delicious recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 egg, 50 g butter, 150 g sugar, 200 g flour, 1 pinch of salt, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, juice from 1/2 lemon. Cream: 500 ml milk, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 150 g sugar, 200 g butter, juice from one lemon, 1 jar of plum jam, powdered sugar.
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