London Cake

London Cake – a delicacy with a fine texture and refined taste, perfect for impressing friends and family on any occasion. This recipe, which combines a crumbly dough with a rich and flavorful glaze, is easy to prepare and will fill your home with inviting aromas. Let’s discover together how to make this delicious dessert, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 4 egg yolks
- 70 g sugar
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g flour
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- Apricot or peach jam (about 200 g)

For the glaze:
- 150 g sugar
- 150 g ground nuts (preferably freshly ground for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 4 egg whites

Ingredient details
Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving a perfect result. The butter should be soft but not melted, so it incorporates easily into the mixture. The ground nuts add a crunchy texture and unique flavor, while the lemon zest provides a citrus fragrance that balances the sweetness. The apricot or peach jam acts as a binding element between the dough and the glaze, adding a fruity note you can’t miss.

Step by step: Making the London Cake

Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy composition and a light yellow color. This process will incorporate air into the dough, making it fluffier. Add the soft butter and continue mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 2: Adding the dry ingredients
Sift the flour to ensure there are no lumps, and add the grated lemon zest. Gradually incorporate the flour into the egg yolk and butter mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will be slightly sticky, but don’t worry, this is normal.

Step 3: Forming the dough
On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you reach a thickness of about 5 mm. If the dough tears, don’t panic! You can repair it with your hands, neatly placing it in the ungreased baking pan (size 25x35 cm). Make sure to evenly cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Adding the jam
Once the dough is in the pan, spread the apricot or peach jam evenly over its surface. This will add moisture to the cake and a sweet-sour taste that will contrast perfectly with the nut glaze.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a stiff and glossy meringue. Finally, fold in the ground nuts gently with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites.

Step 6: Baking the cake
Spread the glaze evenly over the jam in the pan. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and firm. You can check the cake with a simple test: insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once it has completely cooled, cut it into slices and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical tips
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as orange or berry jam, to add a personal twist to the recipe.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for a richer taste.
- The London Cake keeps well for a few days, covered, at room temperature, but you can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits
This cake contains nutritious ingredients such as nuts, which are rich in protein and essential fatty acids. Egg yolks are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, while the fruit jam adds antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace the nuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use coconut flakes or ground almonds for a different texture.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or choose a jam with less sugar.
3. Can I use free-range eggs?
Absolutely! High-quality eggs will enhance the taste and texture of the cake.

Delicious pairings
The London Cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant black tea or a strong espresso. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would add a creamy and refreshing contrast.

This London Cake recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavor, having the power to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So gather your ingredients and let’s enjoy this refined delicacy together! Enjoy!