Linzer Cake

Lintzer Cake: A Traditional Delicacy with Jam and Nuts

When we think of cakes that evoke pleasant memories and unforgettable moments, the Lintzer cake surely holds a special place in our hearts. This cake, with its tender dough and sweet jam filling, is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive meal, a family gathering, or simply a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12

The basic ingredients of the Lintzer cake, such as eggs, sugar, and margarine, are accessible and commonly found in most pantries. This makes it an ideal recipe for anyone wanting to try a delicious yet simple cake to make.

Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Ingredients

*For the dough*
- 3 large eggs (preferably at room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 package of margarine (approx. 250 g) at room temperature
- 1 cup of sugar (approx. 200 g)
- 1 essence of rum (or vanilla, according to preference)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Flour (approximately 1 kg, but add gradually until you achieve the desired consistency)

*For the filling*
- 1 jar of jam (raspberry or peach jam works excellently)
- Optional: ground nuts or hazelnuts (approximately 100 g)

Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and sugar. Using a mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, making the cake lighter.

2. Adding Margarine
Add the soft margarine (not melted, but at room temperature) to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the composition becomes creamy and uniform.

3. Flavoring
Incorporate the essence of rum and baking powder. The flavors blend wonderfully, and the rum essence will add a distinctive note to the cake.

4. Incorporating Flour
Start adding flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or with your hands until the dough becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your hands. It’s important not to add too much flour at once; this way, you can better control the consistency of the dough.

5. Forming the Sheet
Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Make sure the sheet fits the dimensions of your baking tray.

6. Baking the First Sheet
Place the first sheet in the tray lined with baking paper and put it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the dough is half-baked but not browned yet.

7. Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the jam with the ground nuts or hazelnuts if you choose to use them. This combination will give the cake a crunchy texture and delicious taste.

8. Assembling
After the first sheet is baked, remove the tray from the oven. Spread the jam mixture evenly over the first sheet. Then, roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the filling, making sure to cover all the jam.

9. Final Baking
Return the cake to the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the cake turns golden and is well-baked. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the cake occasionally.

10. Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. After it has cooled completely, cut the cake into squares or triangles and enjoy it with a fragrant tea or coffee.

Serving Suggestions
The Lintzer cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or an espresso coffee. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Vegan Version
For a vegan version of the Lintzer cake, replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of apple puree (one baked and mashed apple) and the margarine with a plant-based margarine. The result will be just as delicious!

Nutritional Benefits
The Lintzer cake, with its simple ingredients, provides a source of carbohydrates and healthy fats (if using nuts or hazelnuts), but it is best consumed in moderation considering the sugar content. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use store-bought jam, but make sure it’s of high quality for better taste.

2. Can I substitute margarine?
Yes, you can use butter or a vegan alternative if you wish.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with different types of jam or marmalade, such as strawberry, plum, or even chocolate!

Now that you’ve discovered the Lintzer cake recipe, don’t hesitate to try it and adapt it to your preferences! This cake will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Enjoy!