Strasbourg-style Cake

Strasbourg-style Cake Recipe from Romania | Ingredients: Apples, Flour, Butter, and More

Region / culture: Romania | Servings: 8

Introduction

Strasbourg-style Cake is a delicious and traditional French dessert that features layers of buttery pastry filled with sweet and cinnamon-spiced apples. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a classic and comforting dessert that is sure to impress.

History

The origins of Strasbourg-style Cake can be traced back to the Alsace region of France, where it is a popular dessert enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the traditional dish.

Ingredients

8 oz / 250 g flour
8 oz / 250 g butter
2 lb / 1 kg apples
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp confectioner's sugar
1 tbsp water
2 yolks
salt
cinnamon
shortening for greasing the pan
egg mixed with sweetened water

How to prepare

Place the flour in a mound on the pastry board.
Add 1 tbsp of water, yolks, butter, salt, and 1 tsp of confectioner's sugar in the center of the flour.
Knead the mixture well and let the resulting dough rest, covered with an inverted bowl, for two hours.
Meanwhile, peel the apples, cut them into thin slices, and sprinkle them with cinnamon.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.
Roll each part into a sheet that is 0.25 inches thick.
Place the first sheet in a greased pan and arrange the apples sprinkled with 1 cup of granulated sugar on top of it.
Cover with the second sheet and brush with a mixture of a little egg and 1 tbsp of sweetened water.
Bake at medium heat and once done, cut into medium squares.

Variations

Add raisins or nuts to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
Substitute pears or peaches for the apples for a different twist on this classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest for two hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to become more pliable.

- Be sure to slice the apples thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking and a uniform filling.

- Brushing the top of the cake with a mixture of egg and sweetened water will give it a beautiful golden brown color and a shiny finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strasbourg-style Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the cake at a medium heat to ensure that the pastry cooks through without burning.

- Cutting the cake into squares after baking will make it easier to serve and enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apples, you can use any other fruit of your choice, such as pears or peaches.

- Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in the pastry dough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pastry dough and apple filling ahead of time and assemble the cake just before baking for a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Strasbourg-style Cake on a decorative platter dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Strasbourg-style Cake with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful after-dinner treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispness of the pastry.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strasbourg-style Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strasbourg-style Cake contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strasbourg-style Cake contains approximately 20g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strasbourg-style Cake contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strasbourg-style Cake is a good source of Vitamin C from the apples.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and eggs.

Summary

Strasbourg-style Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich and indulgent treat.

Summary

Strasbourg-style Cake is a classic French dessert that is sure to impress with its buttery pastry and sweet apple filling. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat to enjoy with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a rainy day in Strasbourg and I had sought refuge in a quaint little bakery to escape the dreary weather. As I sipped on my hot cup of coffee and indulged in a slice of their famous Strasbourg-style Cake, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The cake was a delicate combination of light sponge layers, filled with a rich vanilla custard and topped with a generous layer of glossy chocolate ganache. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, and I found myself unable to resist the temptation to ask the baker for the recipe.

To my surprise, the baker was more than happy to share the secret behind his signature creation. He explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of his family, originating from an old cookbook that had been in their possession for over a century.

I was captivated by the history and tradition behind the recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. With the baker's guidance, I spent the next few days mastering the art of baking the perfect Strasbourg-style Cake. It took patience, precision, and a whole lot of love, but eventually, I was able to recreate the same exquisite taste that had first captivated my senses.

As I continued to bake the cake for my family and friends, it became a beloved favorite at every gathering. The sweet aroma of vanilla and chocolate would fill the air, and the sight of the cake would always elicit smiles and delighted exclamations.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with countless others, each one eager to taste a slice of Strasbourg-style Cake for themselves. From friends to neighbors to distant relatives, everyone who has tried the cake has fallen in love with it, just as I did that rainy day in Strasbourg.

But the true magic of the recipe lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and stories that it holds. Every time I bake the cake, I am transported back to that cozy bakery in Strasbourg, where I first discovered the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that brought me to this moment, I am filled with gratitude for the countless people who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me over the years. Each one has contributed to shaping me into the cook that I am today, and for that, I am truly thankful.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a special dessert to share with your loved ones, I urge you to give the Strasbourg-style Cake a try. Not only will it delight your taste buds, but it will also fill your heart with warmth and nostalgia, just as it has done for me time and time again. Happy baking!