Finnish Puolukka Kakkutorttu
Lingonberry Layer Cake
A delightful Finnish layer cake featuring a light sponge cake, tart lingonberry jam, and a whipped cream frosting, often decorated with toasted almonds. It's a popular choice for celebrations and fika (coffee breaks).
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- 200 g Granulated sugar
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 300 g Lingonberry jam
- 500 ml Heavy cream
- 50 g Powdered sugar(for frosting, adjust to taste)
- 50 g Sliced almonds(toasted, for decoration)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 24cm (9-inch) springform pan.
💡 Tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
💡 Tip: Sift flour to ensure no lumps. - 4
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, along with vanilla extract. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Fold in a figure-eight motion. - 5
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 6
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 7
Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally into two or three layers.
💡 Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. - 8
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- 9
Spread a layer of lingonberry jam on the bottom cake layer, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with subsequent layers.
💡 Tip: Leave a small border of cake exposed to hold the jam. - 10
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with toasted sliced almonds.
💡 Tip: Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all ingredients for the cake are at room temperature for best results.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the cake batter.
- ✓If lingonberry jam is too tart, you can mix in a little sugar.
- ✓To toast almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use other berry jams like blueberry or raspberry.
- Add a touch of lemon zest to the cake batter for brightness.
- Incorporate a thin layer of marzipan between the jam and cream.