Greta Garbo Cake

Apricot Jam and Hazelnut Cake – A Fall Delight

Discover the magic of flavor with this fluffy cake that combines the sweet aromas of apricot jam and the crunch of ground hazelnuts. This dessert will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of warmth to any occasion. Its preparation is simple and quick, and the final result will leave everyone impressed. Let's get to work!

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 1 hour
- Total: 2 hours
- Servings: 12

Ingredients
For the layers:
- 500 g flour
- 200 g butter at room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
- 500 g apricot jam (or other preferred jam)
- 400 g ground hazelnuts (or walnuts)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon liquid cream or whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon butter

Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Activating the yeast
Start by rubbing the yeast with 100 g of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Continue mixing until the yeast becomes a liquid paste. This process will activate the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, eggs, lukewarm milk, and lemon zest. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or mixer until you get a homogeneous composition. Then, incorporate the activated yeast.

Step 3: Adding the flour
Sift the flour and salt over the previous mixture. Gently mix until all ingredients are well combined. Don’t worry if the dough is a bit sticky; it’s perfectly normal. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes.

Step 4: Forming the layers
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a thin layer. Be careful not to roll them too thin; the layers should be slightly elastic.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Generously grease a baking dish with butter. Place the first layer in the dish, then spread a layer of apricot jam. Sprinkle some of the ground hazelnuts and sugar mixture over the jam. Continue adding layers, jam, and hazelnuts until you reach the last layer, which should remain plain. Cover the dish with a towel and let the cake rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Once the cake has risen, place the dish in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cake turns golden and beautifully browned.

Step 7: Preparing the glaze
After the cake has cooled, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine 100 g of milk chocolate, 1 tablespoon of liquid cream, and 1 teaspoon of butter. Heat the ingredients in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until you get a smooth and shiny sauce.

Step 8: Decorating
Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the edges for a spectacular effect. Allow the glaze to set slightly before cutting the cake.

Practical Tips
- Ingredient care: Use fresh and quality ingredients. The butter should be soft and at room temperature to incorporate more easily.
- Choose the jam: While apricot jam is traditional, you can experiment with other jams, such as peach or plum, to change the flavor profile of the cake.
- Dough consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast, activating it just like you would with fresh yeast.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze it to keep it longer.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or aromatic coffee. A glass of sweet wine or champagne can add a festive touch.

Possible Variations
- Adding spices: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the hazelnut mixture for a richer flavor.
- Alternative glazes: Instead of chocolate, you can use a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice for a more tangy glaze.

Conclusion
This apricot jam and hazelnut cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition that brings family and friends together. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply during a relaxing afternoon, it will surely become everyone’s favorite. Make it with love and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 200 g butter, 2 eggs, 200 ml milk, 100 g powdered sugar, 25 g fresh yeast, a pinch of salt, lemon zest. Filling: 500 g apricot jam, 400 g ground nuts, 200 g sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Decoration: 100 g milk chocolate, 1 tablespoon of liquid cream or whipped cream, 1 teaspoon of butter.

 Tags:  great cake garbo