Greta Garbo cake

Greta Garbo Cake – A Nostalgic Delight

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t love a cake that connects childhood with unforgettable moments? The Greta Garbo cake is undoubtedly one of those recipes that brings a smile to our faces, evoking sweet memories and unforgettable moments spent around the table with loved ones. This cake, with fluffy layers and a jam filling, is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or a simple afternoon spent at home. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 200 g soft butter
- 2 large eggs
- 250 ml thick sour cream
- 100 g sugar
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 600 g jam or marmalade (I recommend apricot, rosehip, or plum; I used plum jam)
- 250 g ground nuts
- 1/4 kg granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar to taste

For the glaze:
- 100 g sugar
- 30 g cocoa
- 50 ml water
- 30 g butter
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by activating the yeast: in a bowl, add the yeast along with the sugar. Mash well with a fork until the yeast becomes liquid. This is essential to ensure a fluffy cake.

Add the soft butter and mix until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Now it’s time to add the sour cream, lemon zest, and salt.

Finally, sift the flour over the mixture. Gently mix without over-kneading to avoid developing too much gluten, which could make the dough denser. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place.

2. Forming the Layers
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Take one piece of dough and shape it into a rectangle, then roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm, ensuring it fits the dimensions of a 22/33 cm tray (or a larger tray if you have one).

Place the first layer in the ungreased tray. Now, spread a generous layer of jam over the layer. Add 1/3 of the ground nuts mixed with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Repeat this process with the other layers, making sure to overlap each layer over the previous one. The top layer will remain ungreased.

3. Let the Cake Rise
After placing the layers, cover the tray with a towel and let it sit in a warm place for another 30 minutes to allow the layers to rise slightly. This step will help achieve a fluffy texture.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for about 1 hour or until it becomes golden. Check if it is baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tray.

5. Preparing the Glaze
Prepare the cocoa glaze: in a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the lemon juice, and when the syrup thickens, remove the saucepan from the heat. Sift the cocoa and mix well to avoid lumps.

If the glaze is too thin, do not add more butter. Spread the warm glaze immediately over the cooled cake, using a spatula to cover the surface evenly.

6. Serving
Once the glaze has set, cut the cake into rectangles. This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, and for a touch of freshness, add a few lemon slices on the plate.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, preferably type 000 or 550, for optimal results.
- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jams. Plums add a rich flavor, but apricot jam offers a sweeter and fruitier note.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can replace them with hazelnuts or ground almonds.
- Glaze: The glaze can be adapted by trying other flavors, such as vanilla or orange essence.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake, while delicious, should be enjoyed in moderation. It contains a significant amount of calories from sugar and fats, but the nuts provide protein and healthy fatty acids. The flour and jam also contribute carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the same steps.

How can I tell if the cake is baked?
Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The surface should also be golden.

Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the glaze. Make sure to wrap it well in cling film to prevent drying out.

The Greta Garbo cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you back in time, bringing joy and warmth in every slice. Enjoy it with your loved ones and cherish the moments spent together!

 Ingredients: Dough: 500 g flour, 200 g butter, 2 whole eggs, 250 ml thick sour cream, 100 g sugar, 30 g yeast, half a teaspoon of salt, lemon zest. Filling: 600 g jam or marmalade (apricots, rose hips, plums); I used plum, 1/4 kg ground walnuts, 1/4 sugar, vanilla sugar. Glaze: 100 g sugar, 30 g cocoa, 50 ml water, 30 g butter, half a teaspoon of lemon juice.