Are you craving a beautiful and delicious dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Linzer Torte Cake! This recipe takes the classic Linzer Torte's delightful flavors and transforms them into a stunning, layer cake perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated pastry techniques; this recipe uses a simple, buttery cake base, making it accessible to even beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping, yet surprisingly easy, homemade dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Raspberry Jam Filling:
- 2 cups raspberry jam (seedless preferred)
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Linzer Torte Cake:
- Prepare the Filling: Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary. Spread half of the raspberry jam evenly over one cake layer.
- Layer & Frost: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the jam. Frost the entire cake with the almond glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Add more milk for desired consistency.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cooling Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit jams, like strawberry or apricot, for the filling. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped almonds or toasted slivered almonds to the glaze for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-450
- Fat: Around 20-25g
- Sugar: Around 40-50g
This Linzer Torte Cake recipe is a delightful blend of easy preparation and impressive results. It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a truly special and delicious dessert. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, offering a sweet treat without excessive guilt. Enjoy baking, and happy eating!