Gerbeaux (Nut Cake)

To prepare this delicious apricot jam and walnut cake, we start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need 500 grams of flour, 200 grams of butter, 25 grams of fresh yeast, 2 eggs, sugar to taste, 300 grams of apricot jam, and 200 grams of ground walnuts. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and tasty dough.

The first step is to rub the flour with the butter. This process is done with quick movements between your palms, so that you get fine crumbs. It is important for the butter to be well incorporated into the flour to give the cake a tender texture. After obtaining these crumbs, make a well in the middle of the flour mixture and add the already risen yeast along with the two eggs. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding warm water if necessary, until you get a well-bound dough that is neither too soft nor too hard. The dough should be slightly elastic and come off your hands easily.

Once you have obtained the dough, divide it into three equal parts. Each piece of dough will become a delicious layer. Start by rolling out the first layer, being careful not to make it too thin. Place the layer in the baking tray lined with parchment paper. On this first layer, spread a generous layer of apricot jam, making sure it is evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle half of the amount of ground walnuts mixed with sugar to taste. This combination will add an unmistakable flavor.

Continue with the second layer, which you carefully place over the layer of jam and walnuts. Repeat the process: spread with apricot jam and sprinkle the remaining walnuts. Now, finally, place the third layer on top, and to allow steam to escape during baking, prick the surface with a fork. This will help the cake bake evenly.

Bake the cake at a suitable temperature, not too high, for about 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and passes the toothpick test. This means that if the toothpick comes out clean from the cake, it is ready. After removing the tray from the oven, let it cool completely. On top, melt chocolate and prepare a glaze that you will generously pour over the cake. When the chocolate has hardened, the cake is ready to serve. Enjoy each slice, relishing the perfect combination of sweet jam and crunchy walnuts!