Torte with Strawberry Jam

This delightful torte with strawberry jam is a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the rich flavors of butter, sugar, and eggs with the sweet and tangy notes of strawberry jam. Its layers are tender and moist, and the cream gives it a light and creamy texture. This dessert is wonderfully versatile, as you can adjust the sweetness to your liking and decorate it with seasonal fruits or edible flowers. Despite its elaborate appearance, it is surprisingly easy to make. With a preparation time of only an hour, you can quickly whip up this delightful dessert for unexpected guests. The combination of the fluffy cake, luscious jam, and airy whipped cream ensures that every bite is a heavenly experience. It is also an excellent way to use homemade strawberry jam or to discover new variations with different types of jams or fruit preserves. This torte is perfect served at afternoon tea or as a grand finale to a lovely dinner. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is bound to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 200-300 g sugar
• 200 g butter or margarine
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp sour cream

Filling

• Strawberry jam
• Whipped cream

Preparation Time

• Total: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated for a smooth texture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda, then gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Incorporate Butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter to ensure even mixing.
5. Blend Thoroughly: Stir the batter gently to ensure all elements are well combined and smooth.
6. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to allow it to reach the desired temperature for baking.
7. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease and lightly flour two round cake pans to prevent the batter from sticking.
8. Divide and Pour: Evenly distribute the batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake the Layers: Place the pans in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the tops are moderately browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice the Cakes: Once cooled, carefully cut each cake horizontally to create four layers in total.
12. Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form to make it light and airy.
13. Assemble the Layers: Place the first cake layer on a serving platter, spread a generous amount of strawberry jam over it, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
14. Continue Layering: Repeat the process with the remaining layers, alternating between jam and whipped cream.
15. Top Layer: Place the last cake layer on top and spread whipped cream over the entire cake, smoothing it for an even finish.
16. Decorate: Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
17. Chill the Torte: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
18. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut generous slices when ready to serve.
19. Clean Spills: Wipe any excess jam or cream from the serving platter for a clean presentation.
20. Enjoy: Relish the delightful balance of flavors and textures in each bite.

Tips

• Substitute sour cream: You can use yogurt if sour cream is unavailable.
• Decorations: Fresh mint leaves make a lovely, fragrant garnish.
• Slicing Tips: Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts through the cake layers.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour mix to cater to dietary needs.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free margarine and coconut cream as substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Tea: A cup of black, green, or herbal tea complements the rich flavors nicely.
• Fresh Fruit: Offer additional fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a fruity touch.

Best Places

• Cafe Sacher Wien - Famous for their traditional Austrian cakes. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Laduree - Known for exquisite pastries and settings. Location: 16-18 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Cafe Central - Classic Viennese cafe with a historic ambiance. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers beautiful Italian desserts. Location: Via Monte Napoleone 9, Milan, Italy.
• Demel - A royal bakery with elegant cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Brasserie Veldt - A charming spot with a variety of tortes. Location: Noordeinde 66, The Hague, Netherlands.
• La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac - Renowned for innovative pastries. Location: 24 Rue Paul Bert, Paris, France.
• Conditorei Schober - Provides a cozy atmosphere with classic sweets. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Café Landtmann - A beloved spot for tortes and Viennese coffee. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Cova Cafe - A blend of heritage Tea and pasticceria. Location: Via Monte Napoleone 8, Milan, Italy.