Cherry Linzer
Linzer Cherry Recipe: An Unmistakable Delicacy
If you're looking for a cake that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones, then my famous Linzer cherry version is the perfect choice. This recipe, which I lovingly prepare every year on March 5th, is full of flavor and has a unique texture. Whether you serve it with coffee to friends or as dessert after a hearty meal, each slice will be a true feast. Let's get to work!
Preparation Time:
- Total: 1 hour
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 600 g flour
- For the filling:
- 500 g pitted cherries (fresh or from a jar)
- 2 packets of red gelatin
- 400 ml water
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g ground almonds (or walnuts for a different version)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the Dough
Start by melting the butter in a large bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Continue to incorporate the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is well mixed before adding the next.
Practical tips: Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the cake. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Dissolve the baking powder with the lemon juice and add it to the mixture. Grate the lemon zest for extra flavor, then gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you achieve an elastic dough.
2. Chilling the Dough
Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the dough become easier to roll out.
3. Baking the First Layer
Once the dough has chilled, take more than half of it and roll it out on a floured surface. Place the layer in a greased and floured baking pan or lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes, until it lightly whitens.
Tip: Check the cake from time to time, as each oven bakes differently. It’s good to familiarize yourself with your oven's temperature.
4. Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet. Once it has cooled, mix it with the drained cherries and ground almonds. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
Nutritional Notes: Cherries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, while almonds provide a healthy dose of beneficial fats and proteins.
5. Assembling the Cake
After the first layer is baked, pour the cherry filling over it. Grate the remaining dough over the cake to form a crispy layer. Sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for a sweet and aromatic touch.
6. Final Baking
Return the cake to the oven for another 15 minutes at moderate heat, until the top layer turns golden. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting it into slices.
Serving and Variations
This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also try swapping almonds for walnuts for a different texture or using other fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a unique filling.
Personal Story: I fondly remember how, in my childhood, my grandmother always used fresh cherries from the garden. Their aroma intertwined with that of the freshly baked dough, and each bite was an explosion of warm and loving memories.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I substitute the cherries? Yes, you can use other seasonal fruits or even fruit jams.
2. How do I store the cake? You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? This recipe contains eggs and butter, but you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each serving has approximately 350-400 calories but is packed with nutrients from the fruits and nuts. It is a dessert that can be part of a balanced diet, in moderation, of course.
I hope this Linzer cherry recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and in your heart. Don't forget to share the final result with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 300 g butter, 300 g sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 4 eggs, 1 packet of baking powder, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 600 g flour, 500 g pitted cherries, 2 packets of red gelatin, 400 ml water, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 300 g ground almonds, 1 packet of vanilla sugar.
