Greta Garbo Cake (Jerbo)

Greta Garbo Cake – The Aromatic Delight of Childhood

If you are looking for a cake that delights your senses and brings back beautiful childhood moments, the Greta Garbo cake is the perfect choice. This recipe, lovingly written in my mother's recipe notebook, is not just a simple cake but a true creation that combines sweet and tangy flavors in an irresistible way. I invite you to discover step by step how to achieve this delight, which will surely hold a special place in your heart and on your table.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g flour
- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 7-8 tablespoons sour cream (ideal for a fluffy texture)
- Zest of one lemon (for freshness)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 jar apricot jam (or other preferred jam)
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar (for filling)
- Rum essence (a few drops for flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for an extra touch of flavor)

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, cubed margarine, egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, lemon zest, and baking powder. Mix the ingredients using a mixer or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Here, margarine can be replaced with butter for a richer taste; however, margarine will provide a lighter texture.

2. Resting the dough:
Divide the dough into four equal parts and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a flakier cake layer.

3. Preparing the baking tray:
While the dough is resting, prepare a medium-sized tray lined with parchment paper. This detail will allow the cake to easily detach after baking.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Roll out the first sheet of dough and place it in the tray.
- Evenly sprinkle the ground walnuts mixed with sugar, vanilla sugar, and rum essence, according to your taste. The walnuts add a crunchy texture and a delicate flavor, while the rum essence will provide a sublime aroma.
- Roll out the second sheet of dough and spread it with apricot jam. The jam will add a layer of moisture and a tangy taste, perfect for balancing the sweetness.

5. Continuing the assembly:
Repeat this process with the third sheet, adding another layer of walnuts with sugar. Finally, place the fourth sheet of dough, which you will gently prick with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Here, you can add a little lemon zest on top for a more attractive appearance and an extra hint of flavor.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about an hour, or until the top layer turns lightly golden. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to prevent the dough from collapsing.

7. Finishing the cake:
When the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Finally, dust it with powdered sugar or, if you prefer, glaze it with a simple sugar and water glaze. Cut the cake into desired shapes – squares or diamonds – and enjoy every bite.

Useful tips and tricks:
- You can experiment with different types of jams, such as cherry or peach jam, to give the cake a personalized touch.
- A delicious variation is to add a few drops of almond essence to the walnut filling for a subtle flavor.
- If you want a fluffier cake, you can replace a few tablespoons of flour with cornstarch.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains walnuts, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. The lemon zest adds vitamin C, while the jam provides a natural source of sugars, having a delicious taste. However, it is best to enjoy the cake in moderation, considering the amount of sugar and margarine.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use oil, but the texture will be different; margarine or butter provides a flakier cake.
2. How can I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

For an even more enjoyable culinary experience, serve the Greta Garbo cake alongside a cup of fruit tea or coffee. This combination will enhance the rich flavors of the cake and turn any moment into a celebration.

Happy cooking and savoring! This cake will surely become a favorite among your loved ones!