Today, I want to share a traditional Austrian recipe that found its way into Romanian cuisine during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I am talking about the Linzer Torte, a delicious dessert traditionally made with jam. However, our family has given it a fresh twist using fresh fruits. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Instructions for the Dough:

• Place the all-purpose flour along the almond flower, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, lemon zest, egg yolks and cold butter in a food processor.

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• Pulse until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough. If needed, add a small amount of ice-cold water to bring the dough together.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

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Instructions for the Filling:

• Cut the plums in half and remove the pits.
• Place the plums in a saucepan with sugar and cornstarch. Add vanilla or rum extract.

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• Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the plums release their juice and the mixture thickens slightly. Let it cool.

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Assembling the Linzer Torte:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Line a 23 cm (9-inch) cake pan with parchment paper.
• Divide the dough into two parts, one portion being 3/4 of the dough and the other 1/4.
• Don't worry about rolling out the dough with a rolling pin—it might break. Instead, work it a bit with flour and then press it evenly into the prepared pan, leaving a 2.5-3 cm (1-inch) edge. If necessary, you can reinforce the sides after adding the filling, but they should hold well enough.
• Pour the cooled plum mixture over the dough.

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• Take the remaining dough, knead it with a little flour, and roll it out lightly under a sheet of plastic wrap. Cut the dough into any shapes you like, such as circles or stars, and place them on top of the fruit.
• Beat one egg white and brush it over the edges and shapes. Sprinkle with almond flakes.
• Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown.
• Allow it to cool, then dust it with powdered sugar.

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• Slice the Linzer Torte and maybe add some extra cinnamon before serving.

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The History of the Linzer Torte

So, long story short, the Linzer Torte is considered one of the oldest known cake recipes in the world, with the oldest recorded Linzer Torte recipe dating back to 1653.

Originating from Linz, Austria, this torte has become a beloved dessert across Europe, especially in regions that were once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Romania.

The traditional version features a lattice crust filled with red currant jam or another type of tart jam.

Now, I chose to use fresh plums instead of jam because fresh fruits bring a vibrant, juicy flavor to the torte that's hard to beat.

Furthermore, you can easily swap the plums for other fruits you enjoy. For example, using apples will give you a wonderful dessert perfect for the Christmas season.

Nutritional Benefits

This Linzer Torte recipe brings a good balance of nutrients to the table. The almond flour provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein, while the fresh fruits offer vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. The butter and eggs add richness and help bind the dough, creating a satisfying dessert that's tasty and nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's address some common questions about making the perfect Linzer Torte:

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

Q: What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

A: Besides plums, you can use apples, pears, berries, or even apricots. Choose fruits that are in season for the best flavor.

Q: Can I use ground nuts other than almonds?

A: Absolutely! Hazelnuts or walnuts would work well as a substitute for almond flour.

Q: How do I store the Linzer Torte?

A: Store the torte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it's one that works well for baking.

Conclusion

I hope you'll try this Linzer Torte recipe and share your results with us. Don't forget to tag us when you do!

The full video tutorial is on our YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more delicious recipes.