Berlin Cake

Berlini Cake - A Seasonal Delight

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

I invite you to discover with me the recipe for this delicious cake, which brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite. The Berlini Cake is a perfect combination of a tender dough, a rich walnut filling, and a decadent chocolate glaze. It is a simple yet impressive recipe, ideal for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself and your loved ones.

Necessary Ingredients

Tender Dough:
- 250 g flour
- 150 g soft butter
- 80 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 packet baking powder

Filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons apricot jam (or other preferred jam)
- 4 tablespoons rum

Cake Base:
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour

Glaze:
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 tablespoons butter

Step by Step - Your Guide to a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the Tender Dough
Start by sifting the flour together with the baking powder into a large bowl. This step is essential as it helps aerate the flour and achieve a tender and fluffy dough. Add the soft butter and, using your palms, knead it together with the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. This process allows the butter to integrate evenly into the flour.

Continue by adding the sugar and egg yolk. Knead well for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes homogeneous and pulls away from the bowl's sides. Form a ball from the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature.

2. Preparing the Filling
In another bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the sugar, milk, apricot jam, and rum. This filling not only provides a delicious taste but also a pleasant texture to the cake. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. Set the filling aside to let the flavors meld.

3. Preparing the Cake Base
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the sugar completely dissolves (about 10-15 minutes). This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake base. Then, add the flour and gently mix with a spatula, using a folding motion from top to bottom. Avoid overmixing to prevent developing gluten in the flour.

4. Assembling
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray with a bit of oil and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin, then place it in the prepared tray. Don’t worry if the dough tears; you can patch it up with your hands.

Pour the walnut filling over the dough and level it evenly. Then, add the cake base on top of the filling and bake for about 25 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

5. Cooling and Glazing
After the cake has cooled, carefully turn it onto a platter, then flip it again onto another platter to return to its original shape. This trick ensures a perfect appearance for the cake.

To prepare the glaze, mix the sugar with cocoa and add water, then place the mixture over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Finally, add the butter and mix until smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly, then carefully spread it over the cake.

Finishing and Serving
The Berlini Cake can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can decorate it with ground walnuts or chocolate flakes for a festive look. This cake is perfect for enjoying with loved ones at a festive meal or simply as a treat during a weekend day.

Nutritional Information and Calories
A serving of Berlini Cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories. This is a nut-rich cake that provides healthy proteins, good fats, and a dose of natural sweetness from the apricot jam. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, thus benefiting heart health.

Tips and Variations
If you want to personalize the recipe, you can replace the apricot jam with berry jam or plum preserves. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. I encourage your creativity in the kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the cake will have a different taste. Butter provides a richer flavor and a finer texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. What drinks pair well with the Berlini Cake?
Freshly brewed coffee or mint tea are excellent choices, but a sweet wine or fruit liqueur can also add a refined touch to your meal.

Step into the kitchen and let your imagination soar with this Berlini Cake recipe! I assure you it will quickly become one of your favorites. Enjoy!