Gerbeaux with nuts and peach jam

Gerbeaux Cake with Nuts and Peach Jam

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a Gerbeaux cake with nuts and peach jam, a recipe that skillfully combines crunchy textures and sweet fillings. This cake is not only an excellent choice for an evening dessert but can also become the star of any festive meal. Whether you serve it alongside a fragrant coffee or as a treat after a special dinner, I assure you it will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

A brief history of the Gerbeaux cake

The Gerbeaux cake has deep roots in the tradition of cake baking, often associated with moments of celebration and conviviality. This cake, with a rich layer of nuts and jam, evokes family memories and gatherings around the table, making your heart race with each bite.

Nutritional benefits

Although sweets are a pleasure, the ingredients used in this recipe also bring nutritional benefits. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, while peach jam adds a fruity note and necessary vitamins.

Necessary ingredients

- 200 g butter or margarine (for a richer taste, use butter)
- 10 g fresh yeast, soaked in a little warm milk and a tablespoon of sugar
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 480 g flour
- 2 eggs
- Peach jam (enough to cover the layers)
- 300 g ground walnuts mixed with sugar (you can adjust the sugar amount to taste)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, place the sifted flour and add the diced butter. Rub the two ingredients between your palms until you achieve a fine texture, similar to bread crumbs. This is the essential step to obtaining a flaky crust.

2. Activating the yeast:
In another small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk along with a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This will activate the yeast, giving the dough a slight elasticity.

3. Combining the ingredients:
In the center of the flour, make a well and add the activated yeast, eggs, and baking powder. Mix everything until you obtain a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it is too dry, a drop of milk can work wonders.

4. Dividing the dough:
Divide the resulting dough into three equal parts. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.

5. Rolling out the sheets:
On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a thin sheet. Be careful to achieve an even thickness.

6. Assembling the cake:
Place the first sheet in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of peach jam, followed by half of the ground walnuts mixed with sugar. Add the second sheet, repeat the process with the jam and walnuts, then cover with the third sheet. Gently prick the surface with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and glazing:
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack. Once it has cooled completely, you can prepare the glaze from melted chocolate. Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie and pour it evenly over the cake.

Serving suggestions

The Gerbeaux cake is delicious served plain, but you can enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of fragrant tea or a well-brewed coffee pairs perfectly with this cake.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, replace the peach jam with a combination of raspberry or apricot jam. You can also add chocolate chips to the ground nuts for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, you can add cinnamon to the dough for a richer taste.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I use instead of peach jam?
You can use any preferred jam, such as apricot, raspberry, or plum.

2. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the glaze. You can glaze it after thawing.

3. How can I adapt the recipe to make it vegan?
Replace the butter with vegan margarine, the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseeds + 2 tablespoons of water for each egg), and use a jam without added sugar.

Calories and servings

A serving of Gerbeaux cake with nuts and peach jam contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This is a delicious choice for moments when you want to indulge, but remember to enjoy in moderation.

So, get ready to enjoy an amazing cake that will bring joy and flavor in every bite! The cooking experience can be just as enjoyable as tasting, so savor every step of the process!