Greta Garbo Cake / Zserbo

The Greta Garbo cake, also known as Zserbo, is a refined dessert with a delicate texture and enticing flavors. This cake is an ideal choice for special moments, but also to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is known to be a favorite of many, due to the perfect combination of nuts, jam, and a fine dough. I propose we discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step.

Preparation time: 50 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g lard (or 200 g butter, or 200 g margarine, as preferred)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs (large, fresh)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons warm milk
- 1 packet dry yeast (7 g)
- 600 g flour

For the filling:
- 300 g ground walnuts (or less, as preferred)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 jar apricot jam (approximately 300 g)

For the glaze:
- 160 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- Colored sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by activating the yeast. In a cup, combine the 3 tablespoons of warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and add the yeast. Let it rise for 10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface.
- In a large bowl, cream the lard (or butter/margarine) with 150 g of sugar until you achieve a creamy, airy mixture. Add the eggs, sour cream, and the risen yeast, mixing well to combine the ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate the flour. When the dough becomes firm enough to handle, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Knead for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Let it rest for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Start by preparing the filling by mixing the ground walnuts with 150 g of sugar. This combination will add a pleasant sweetness and a crunchy texture to your cake.

3. Assembling the cake:
- After the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts. On a floured work surface, roll out the first sheet (about 1 cm thick). Place the sheet in a floured baking tray (or parchment paper, if preferred) and trim any excess.
- Spread the first sheet with half of the apricot jam and sprinkle half of the walnut and sugar mixture. Continue with the second sheet, spreading it again with jam and sprinkling the rest of the walnuts.
- Roll out the last sheet and place it on top. Use a fork to make a few holes in the dough, allowing steam to escape during baking.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for about 35 minutes, or until it is golden and fragrant.

5. Preparing the glaze:
- In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with cocoa. Gradually add the oil and hot water, mixing well until you achieve a smooth glaze. Spread the cooled cake with this mixture and decorate with colored sprinkles for a festive look.

Useful tips

- Types of jam: If you don't have apricot jam, you can experiment with plum or raspberry jam. These alternatives will add a different fruity note to your cake.
- Nuts: For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before grinding them. This trick will enhance the flavors and add subtle complexity.
- Serving: The cake can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and vanilla ice cream would be an excellent choice to complement the cake's sweetness.
- Storage: This cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but it is not recommended to store it in the fridge, as the filling may become too wet.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Each serving of Greta Garbo cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of jam and type of fat used. The walnuts are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, the sour cream provides a source of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a richer taste and more fiber.

2. What else can I add to the filling?
You can add raisins or even chopped chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!

3. How can I check if the cake is baked?
You can do the toothpick test: poke the cake in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Possible variations

- Berry cake: Instead of apricot jam, use berry jam or even cherry compote for a more tart flavor.
- Chocolate cake: Add cocoa to the dough to create a chocolate base, enriching the cake.

The Greta Garbo cake is more than just a dessert; it is a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With each bite, you will discover a perfect combination of the sweetness of the jam, the crunchy texture of the nuts, and the finesse of the dough, making every occasion a celebration. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy this delicious recipe together!