Marzipan Cinnamon Raisin Cake

This Marzipan Cinnamon Raisin Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and aromas to create an unforgettable treat. The filling, made from a medley of rum-soaked raisins, almonds, cinnamon, and cardamom, brings warmth and sweetness with every bite. Adding a citrusy zest from lemon peel enhances the balance of flavors, while the marzipan slices contribute a creamy texture. The cake base is crafted using a well-balanced mixture of cottage cheese, milk, and vanilla sugar, creating a dough that is both tender and robust. Baked to golden perfection, this cake is reminiscent of traditional European bakery treats. It's an ideal choice for festive occasions or simply a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea or coffee. Each element works in harmony to offer both indulgence and comfort, making it a must-try for dessert lovers. The combination of spices, nuts, and the unique marzipan touch elevates this cake from simple to extraordinary. Enjoy the subtle crunch of almonds, the juicy burst of raisins, and the rich, encompassing aroma in every slice.

Ingredients

Filling

3 tablespoons raisins
3 tablespoons rum
250 grams ground almonds
50 grams sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A pinch of ground cardamom
1 teaspoon lemon zest
5 tablespoons heavy cream
150 grams marzipan

Dough

250 grams low-fat cottage cheese
435 grams flour
100 grams sugar
6 tablespoons milk
1 egg
1/8 liter oil
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
A pinch of salt
1 packet baking powder

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Raisins: Rinse the raisins with hot water and pat them dry. Chop them roughly and soak them in rum, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Grate in the lemon zest for added freshness. Add the rum-soaked raisins and the heavy cream to this mixture.
Add Marzipan: Slice the marzipan thinly and gently fold into the almond mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Prepare the Dough: Drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese. In another bowl, mix with milk, egg, oil, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, kneading until a smooth and pliable dough forms.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature as you complete your preparations.
Roll Out the Dough: On a flour-dusted surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 40x25 cm.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet and transfer the rolled-out dough onto it. Reserve a thin 2 cm strip from the long side for decoration.
Layer the Filling: Spread the marzipan and almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Shape the Cake: Roll the longer sides of the dough nearly to the center. Cut the reserved dough strip into four parts and place them across the cake for a decorative finish.
Bake: Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 160°C (320°F) until it reaches a golden-brown color.
Cooling: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving. This ensures the filling sets, making it easier to cut.

Tips

Alternative Sweeteners: Substitute sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different type of sweetness.
Spice it Up: Feel free to add a touch of nutmeg for an additional depth of flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Protein: 8 grams
Fats: 20 grams
Carbs: 50 grams

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Vegan Option: Replace the egg and dairy with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and flax eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a rich espresso or a light herbal tea to complement the cake's sweetness.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Best Places

Café Central - Known for its classic Viennese pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Pâtisserie Sébastien Gaudard - Offers exquisite French desserts. Location: Rue des Martyrs, Paris, France.
Ladurée - Famous for its macarons and marzipan creations. Location: Rue Royale, Paris, France.
Demel - Offers traditional Austrian cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Konditorei Oberlaa - Renowned for marzipan and almond confections. Location: Neugebäudeplatz 1, Vienna, Austria.
Gerlach & Pohl - A cozy German café with a focus on marzipan delicacies. Location: Marktstraße 1, Hamburg, Germany.
Konditori - A Swedish bakery known for marzipan and almond cakes. Location: Rörstrandsgatan 5, Stockholm, Sweden.
Confiserie Sprüngli - Offers a unique Swiss twist on marzipan. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zurich, Switzerland.
Cafe Savoy - Celebrated for its traditional Czech pastries. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Café Imperial - Known for decadent desserts in a historic setting. Location: Na Poříčí 15, Prague, Czech Republic.