Bee cake (with honey and jam)
The Albina cake, with honey and jam, is a traditional Romanian delicacy that evokes memories and brings joy to every home. This cake with thin layers, filled with fragrant jam, is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family celebration or simply a gathering with friends. The unmistakable aroma of honey harmoniously intertwines with the sweetness of the jam, creating a contrast of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
To get started, we need the essential ingredients. For the layers, you will need 500 g of flour, 200 g of sugar, 3 tablespoons of honey, 4 eggs, 200 g of butter, and a pinch of salt. As for the filling, apricot or plum jam is ideal, but you can use any type of jam you prefer or have on hand. The preparation of the cake begins by melting the butter, which will then be allowed to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy and light-colored mixture. Add the honey and melted butter, mixing continuously.
After the wet ingredients are well incorporated, start gradually adding the flour mixed with the pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into four equal parts and form balls that you will let rest for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, you can prepare a tray lined with baking paper, where you will place the layers. Roll each ball of dough into thin layers, being careful not to tear them, and bake them one by one in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 8-10 minutes or until they become slightly golden.
Once all the layers are baked and cooled, start assembling the cake. Spread an even layer of jam on the first layer, cover with the second layer, and continue the process until the last layer. On top, you can sprinkle powdered sugar for a more elegant appearance. Let the cake sit for a few hours, even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to absorb the sweetness of the jam. Thus, the Albina cake will be a true delight, both for the eyes and the palate. Don't forget, alongside a warm tea or a fragrant coffee, it is perfect for moments of indulgence. Savor each piece and enjoy the authentic taste of this homemade cake!
The dough: the egg is rubbed with sugar and butter, after which honey is added (if too much honey is added, the dough becomes very hard and cannot be rolled out), milk, and baking soda. It is mixed over steam until it thickens. It is taken off the steam and flour is added gradually. It is divided into 4 parts and rolled out with a lot of flour. They are baked on high heat on the back of a (cold) greased tray sprinkled with flour. The cream: the butter is whipped with vanilla and sugar until it becomes frothy. Separately, milk is boiled with semolina and left to cool. When it has cooled, it is mixed with the butter. The glaze: everything is boiled on low heat until the mixture thickens. The first layer is spread with some cream. The second layer with jam. The third with the remaining cream. The fourth layer is spread with glaze. The honey and jam cake is left to soften the layers after which it can be cut into diamonds or squares, it is very good for Christmas.
Ingredients: Ingredients for the sheets: 400 g flour, 1 egg, 150 g sugar, 30 g unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey (heated), 2 1/2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon baking soda. Cream: 170 g unsalted butter, 1 packet vanilla, 200 g sugar, 250 ml milk, 2 tablespoons semolina, 1 apricot jam. Glaze: 3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 25 g unsalted butter, 1/2 chocolate bar.
