Greta Garbo dessert cake

Nut Cake with Layers - An Unforgettable Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to my kitchen, where I will share with you a wonderful recipe from Silvia Jurcovan's cookbook, a true treasure for culinary enthusiasts. Today, we will prepare a delicious cake with tender layers, filled with nuts and jam, that will delight any palate. This cake, known as 'Greta Garbo cake', is perfect for any occasion, from festive meals to a simple afternoon treat.

Let's get to work and discover the secrets of this dessert together!

Ingredients for layers:
- 500 g flour
- 200 g butter at room temperature
- 2 whole eggs
- 250 g thick sour cream
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest from 1 lemon

Ingredients for filling:
- 500 g fine marmalade (apricot jam is recommended, but you can choose what you prefer)
- 400 g ground walnuts
- 200 g sugar

Ingredients for decoration:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 1 tablespoon liquid sour cream or whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon butter

Preparation:

1. Prepare the dough for the layers. Start by rubbing the yeast with the sugar until it liquefies. This step is essential as it activates the yeast, ensuring your layers will be light and fluffy.

2. Add wet ingredients. In the bowl with yeast, add the soft butter, eggs (one at a time), and sour cream. Mix well with a mixer until you obtain a smooth composition.

3. Incorporate dry ingredients. Add the flour, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix with a spatula or with your hands until the dough becomes elastic. Let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, covered with a damp towel.

4. Divide and roll out the dough. After it has risen, divide the dough into 4 equal parts. On a floured surface, roll each part into thin layers, about 0.5 cm thick. Use parchment paper the same size as the tray to facilitate the transfer of the layers.

5. Prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar. This combination will add a crunchy texture and intense flavor to your cake.

6. Assemble the cake. In the greased tray, place the first layer, spread a portion of the jam evenly, then sprinkle with the walnut and sugar mixture. Repeat this process with the following layers, leaving the last layer plain.

7. Let the cake rise. Once assembled, let the cake sit in a warm place for 30 minutes to puff up a bit.

8. Bake the cake. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 60 minutes. Make sure it is well browned, but do not leave it too long, or it will dry out.

9. Prepare the glaze. Meanwhile, for the glaze, put the chocolate, sour cream, and butter in a small bowl. In the microwave, heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring until it is smooth and becomes a thick sauce.

10. Decorate the cake. After the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over it, allowing it to gently drip down the sides of the cake.

11. Portion and serve. Let the cake sit for a few hours before slicing, to allow the glaze to set. Serve it with a fragrant tea or quality coffee.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve an even dough.
- You can experiment with other types of jam or fillings, such as berry jam or chocolate.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for unsalted nuts.

Nutritional information:
This cake contains carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats from the nuts. It is an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing essential nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount (approximately 10 g of dry yeast is equivalent to 25 g of fresh yeast).
2. How can I store the cake? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The glaze can be made fresh before serving.
3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, it is a cake that freezes very well. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

This cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that will bring a smile to your face and pleasant memories. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or at a family meal, it will surely be appreciated by all. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1/2 kg of flour, 200 g of butter, 2 whole eggs, 250 g of thick sour cream, 100 g of powdered sugar, 25 g of fresh yeast, a pinch of salt, grated lemon zest. Filling: 500 g of fine marmalade (I used apricot jam), 400 g of ground walnuts, 200 g of sugar. Decoration: 100 g of milk chocolate, a tablespoon of liquid sour cream or whipped cream, a teaspoon of butter.

 Tags:  great garbo cake nut cake jam cake heavy elegant dessert cake