To prepare a delicious jam cake, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. We need 200 grams of butter, 400 grams of flour, 150 grams of sugar, 3 eggs, the grated zest of one lemon, 1 packet of baking powder, and our favorite jam, which can be apricot, berry, or plum, depending on individual preferences.
In a large bowl, we add the soft butter, cut into cubes, and the flour. Using a spatula or simply our hands, we start mixing the two ingredients until the butter is completely incorporated into the flour. The mixture should become a kind of wet sand, with no visible lumps of butter. This step is essential for achieving an even texture in the dough.
In another bowl, we beat the eggs together with the sugar, using a whisk or a mixer. We continue mixing until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly light in color. Then, we pour this mixture over the already homogenized flour and butter. We add the grated lemon zest and the baking powder, continuing to knead everything with our hands until we obtain a firm and homogeneous dough. It is important not to overmix, to avoid developing the gluten in the flour.
Once the dough is ready, we cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill for an hour. This helps to firm up the butter, making the dough easier to handle. After an hour, we take the dough out of the refrigerator. From the total amount, we reserve 3 tablespoons of dough, which we set aside; to this, we add a little flour to make it firmer so we can obtain a crunchy layer.
We roll out the remaining dough evenly in the baking tray, which we have prepared beforehand, greased with a little butter or lined with baking paper. After the dough is spread out, we apply a generous layer of jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the entire surface. The firmer dough we prepared earlier is crumbled finely and sprinkled over the jam, taking care to cover it as well as possible.
We preheat the oven to a medium temperature, about 180 degrees Celsius, and place the tray inside. The cake bakes until it turns golden on top, a process that takes between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on the oven. It is recommended to check from time to time to ensure it does not burn. Once it is ready, we take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. Only after it has cooled can we cut it into portions. This jam cake is perfect for a weekend dessert or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
In a large bowl, we add the soft butter, cut into cubes, and the flour. Using a spatula or simply our hands, we start mixing the two ingredients until the butter is completely incorporated into the flour. The mixture should become a kind of wet sand, with no visible lumps of butter. This step is essential for achieving an even texture in the dough.
In another bowl, we beat the eggs together with the sugar, using a whisk or a mixer. We continue mixing until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly light in color. Then, we pour this mixture over the already homogenized flour and butter. We add the grated lemon zest and the baking powder, continuing to knead everything with our hands until we obtain a firm and homogeneous dough. It is important not to overmix, to avoid developing the gluten in the flour.
Once the dough is ready, we cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill for an hour. This helps to firm up the butter, making the dough easier to handle. After an hour, we take the dough out of the refrigerator. From the total amount, we reserve 3 tablespoons of dough, which we set aside; to this, we add a little flour to make it firmer so we can obtain a crunchy layer.
We roll out the remaining dough evenly in the baking tray, which we have prepared beforehand, greased with a little butter or lined with baking paper. After the dough is spread out, we apply a generous layer of jam, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the entire surface. The firmer dough we prepared earlier is crumbled finely and sprinkled over the jam, taking care to cover it as well as possible.
We preheat the oven to a medium temperature, about 180 degrees Celsius, and place the tray inside. The cake bakes until it turns golden on top, a process that takes between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on the oven. It is recommended to check from time to time to ensure it does not burn. Once it is ready, we take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. Only after it has cooled can we cut it into portions. This jam cake is perfect for a weekend dessert or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
250 g butter, 400 g flour, 2 eggs, Lemon zest, 200 g sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 250 g plum jam (or marmalade)