The Greta Garbo cake, also known as Jerbo, is an elegant and refined dessert that combines textures and flavors to create a memorable culinary experience. This cake has become popular due to its simplicity in preparation and delicious taste, with origins lost in gastronomic history. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from festive meals to family gatherings.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
- 600 g flour
- 250 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 7-8 tablespoons of sour cream
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 jar of apricot jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar (for the walnut mixture)
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Useful for the recipe
- Baking paper
- Baking tray (medium size)
- Bowls for mixing ingredients
- Grater for lemon zest
- Fork
Step by step preparation
1. Preparing the dough
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, mixing them well. Add the margarine (or butter) cut into cubes and start kneading with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This step is essential to ensure a tender dough.
2. Adding wet ingredients
To this mixture, add the egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, and grated lemon zest. Knead well until the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic. It’s time to divide it into four equal parts, form balls, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a fluffier cake.
3. Preparing the tray
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the tray with baking paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides well to prevent sticking.
4. Rolling out the sheets
After the dough has rested, take the first ball and roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Place the sheet in the tray and evenly sprinkle the ground walnut mixture with sugar, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. If desired, you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Adding the jam
Roll out the second sheet of dough and spread it with apricot jam. This will provide a pleasant contrast and add moisture to the cake. Follow the same procedure with the third sheet, sprinkling the walnut mixture again.
6. Finalizing the cake
Place the fourth sheet on top without adding anything on it. With a fork, prick the surface slightly to allow steam to escape during baking. This step will help achieve an even texture.
7. Baking
Put the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes, or until the top sheet turns golden. It is important to check the cake from time to time to avoid burning.
8. Serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can dust it with powdered sugar or glaze it, according to your preferences. Cut it into desired shapes – triangles, squares, or rectangles – and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. Pairing it with vanilla ice cream is also a fantastic idea, bringing a touch of freshness and coolness.
Tips and tricks
- Flavor variation: You can experiment with different types of jams (raspberry, blackberry, or even peach) to change the flavor profile of the cake.
- Alternative nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, providing a different texture.
- The taste of rum: Adding rum essence is a secret that adds extra flavor. If you prefer, you can use vanilla or amaretto essences.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of Greta Garbo cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of jam and margarine used. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, while jam brings a touch of vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Oil will not provide the same tenderness as margarine or butter.
- What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so as not to affect the final texture.
- How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.
The Greta Garbo cake is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a dessert with a fine texture and refined taste. Now that you have all the details, don’t hesitate to try this recipe at home! Enjoy!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
- 600 g flour
- 250 g margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 7-8 tablespoons of sour cream
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 jar of apricot jam (or any other preferred jam)
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar (for the walnut mixture)
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
Useful for the recipe
- Baking paper
- Baking tray (medium size)
- Bowls for mixing ingredients
- Grater for lemon zest
- Fork
Step by step preparation
1. Preparing the dough
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, mixing them well. Add the margarine (or butter) cut into cubes and start kneading with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This step is essential to ensure a tender dough.
2. Adding wet ingredients
To this mixture, add the egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, and grated lemon zest. Knead well until the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic. It’s time to divide it into four equal parts, form balls, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a fluffier cake.
3. Preparing the tray
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the tray with baking paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides well to prevent sticking.
4. Rolling out the sheets
After the dough has rested, take the first ball and roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until you obtain a thin sheet. Place the sheet in the tray and evenly sprinkle the ground walnut mixture with sugar, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. If desired, you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Adding the jam
Roll out the second sheet of dough and spread it with apricot jam. This will provide a pleasant contrast and add moisture to the cake. Follow the same procedure with the third sheet, sprinkling the walnut mixture again.
6. Finalizing the cake
Place the fourth sheet on top without adding anything on it. With a fork, prick the surface slightly to allow steam to escape during baking. This step will help achieve an even texture.
7. Baking
Put the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes, or until the top sheet turns golden. It is important to check the cake from time to time to avoid burning.
8. Serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can dust it with powdered sugar or glaze it, according to your preferences. Cut it into desired shapes – triangles, squares, or rectangles – and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. Pairing it with vanilla ice cream is also a fantastic idea, bringing a touch of freshness and coolness.
Tips and tricks
- Flavor variation: You can experiment with different types of jams (raspberry, blackberry, or even peach) to change the flavor profile of the cake.
- Alternative nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, providing a different texture.
- The taste of rum: Adding rum essence is a secret that adds extra flavor. If you prefer, you can use vanilla or amaretto essences.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of Greta Garbo cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of jam and margarine used. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, while jam brings a touch of vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Oil will not provide the same tenderness as margarine or butter.
- What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so as not to affect the final texture.
- How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture.
The Greta Garbo cake is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a dessert with a fine texture and refined taste. Now that you have all the details, don’t hesitate to try this recipe at home! Enjoy!