Shortcrust pastry Gibanica cake in Layers

Helena Radulovic Toffolon
2 hours ago
6 min read

Shortcrust Gibanica cake in Layers

Layered Delights: The Art of Shortcrust Gibanica Cake

This cake, originating from Međimurje in Slovenia, is renowned for its juiciness and delightful taste. It is a multi-layered dessert featuring three layers of apples, two layers of walnuts, and two layers of cheese, all crafted from homemade shortcrust pastry. The preparation is both quick and straightforward, as it involves assembling the layers and then baking.

Shortcrust-Gibanica-cake-in-Layers — **Shortcrust-pastry-gibanica-cake-in-Layers**

Delicious Cake from Međimurje: A Culinary Delight

This exquisite cake, which hails from the picturesque region of Međimurje in Slovenia, is celebrated not only for its remarkable juiciness but also for its delightful taste that captivates the palate. This dessert is a true representation of the region's rich culinary heritage, combining simple ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to indulge in it.

Ingredients

The cake is meticulously constructed with a multi-layered design that features three generous layers of fresh, tart apples.

These apples are typically sliced thin and may be seasoned with a hint of cinnamon or sugar to enhance their natural sweetness, adding a burst of flavor in every bite. The apples' moisture contributes significantly to the cake's overall juiciness, ensuring that each slice is succulent and satisfying. In addition to the apple layers, the cake incorporates two layers of finely chopped walnuts.

These walnuts not only provide a delightful crunch but also impart a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. The inclusion of walnuts is a nod to the traditional recipes of the region, where nuts are often used to add depth and character to desserts.

Moreover, the cake features two layers of creamy cheese, which add a luscious richness to the overall composition. The cheese is typically a soft variety, such as cottage cheese or ricotta, which blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. This layer contributes a delightful creaminess that balances the tartness of the apples and the earthiness of the walnuts, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that is both unique and satisfying.

All of these layers are encased in a homemade shortcrust pastry, which serves as the perfect foundation for this delectable creation.
The pastry is crafted with care, using quality ingredients that yield a tender yet flaky crust. The process of making the shortcrust pastry is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to achieve a successful result.
This pastry not only holds the layers together but also adds a buttery richness that enhances the overall experience of enjoying the cake. The preparation of this delightful dessert is both quick and straightforward, making it accessible for anyone looking to impress family and friends with a homemade treat.
The assembly involves layering the prepared apples, walnuts, and cheese between sheets of the shortcrust pastry, creating a visually appealing and mouthwatering masterpiece. Once the layers are assembled, the cake is simply baked until golden brown and fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this cake from Međimurje is much more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of the region's culinary traditions, showcasing the delightful combination of apples, walnuts, and cheese, all enveloped in a tender shortcrust pastry. Its juicy texture and harmonious flavors make it a beloved choice for various occasions, from family gatherings to festive celebrations, ensuring that it continues to be a cherished recipe passed down through generations.

Ingredients: simple, total time: 120 min.

4 thin crust/ cut in half/ 3 for layering and 2 half for top

Dough:

350 g of flour
1 tsp of baking powder
1 egg
190 g cold butter
3 Tbsp granulated sugar/ 70 g
50 ml milk
1 bag vanilla sugar / 10 g
1 grated lemon zest
baking dish 20x30 cm, or 23x34 cm

Walnut Filling:

200 g ground walnuts
100 g granulated sugar
200 ml hot milk

Apple Filling

600 g apples cleaned and grated
70 g granulated sugar
1 bag vanilla sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 lemon juice

Cheese Filling:

400 g cream cheese light
3 Tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 grated lemon zest
100 ml sweet cream

and:

100 g Poppy seeds for sprinkling over crust

Preparation:

Prepare all the ingredients as described above and start preparing the dough.

Preparation Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder thoroughly.
Add cubed butter, an egg, vanilla sugar, regular sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix the ingredients well, incorporating a small amount of milk at the end to achieve a smooth dough.
Divide the dough into two portions, ensuring one portion is larger than the other.
Shape the portions into balls.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the larger portion of dough into a rectangle matching the size of your baking pan.
Grease the baking dish with butter and dust it with flour, removing any excess.
Place the rolled-out dough into the dish and prick it in several spots with a fork.
Refrigerate both the larger dough in the dish and the smaller dough wrapped in foil for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the additional filling for the cake.

Filling:

Prepare the walnut filling by gently heating the milk and sugar over low to moderate heat until well combined. Remove from heat, incorporate the walnuts, mix thoroughly, and set aside.
Thoroughly wash and peel the apples. Remove the seeds and stalks, then grate the apples. Place them in a pan, drizzle with lemon juice, and add vanilla sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over low to moderate heat until the mixture is uniform. Turn off the heat and allow the filling to cool.
In a bowl, combine the neutral cheese with powdered sugar until well mixed. Add grated lemon and sweet cream, stirring again to combine. Set aside.
Once all the fillings are prepared, proceed to assemble the cakes.

Layering cake:

Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
Take the first thin crust, cut it in half, and place one half over the dough.
Evenly sprinkle the crust with melted butter and ground poppy seeds, using 3-4 spoons, and smooth it out.
Place the other half of the crust over the poppy seeds, apply a small amount of butter, then add a thin layer of apple filling and smooth it out.
Spread the cheese filling over the apples and smooth it out.
Lay half of the cut crust over the cheese, spread with butter, and apply the apple filling again.
Place the second half of the crust on top, spread with butter, and apply the entire poppy seed filling, ensuring it is well flattened.
Place half of the crust on top and spread the entire walnut filling over it.
Again, place half the crust, spread with the remaining cheese filling, and smooth it out.
Place half the crust over the cheese, spread with butter, and add the remaining apple filling, flattening it well.
For the top layer of the cake, grate the remaining shortcrust dough over it, or alternatively, cut the crust and spread butter on each piece.

Baking:

Bake in an oven at 180°C for approximately 35-40 minutes, until the crust achieves a golden yellow hue.
Upon completion, lightly sprinkle the finished cake with plain or mineral water to soften the crust, facilitating easier slicing.
Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Buon appetito!

"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹

NOTE:

Consider using cocoa, carob, or cinnamon as alternatives to poppy seeds for sprinkling over the crust.
For the top crust, you may opt for a thicker pie crust and apply melted butter, instead of using shortcrust pastry.
If you prefer poppy seeds, they can be used as a top layer in place of apples. For the filling, you will require 200 g of poppy seeds, 100 g of granulated sugar, and 200 ml of milk.
You can use the other part of the shortcrust dough for a larger baking dish, with that you will then put half the crust twice and spread it with butter twice, or make some biscuits.
The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or in the refrigerator, according to your preference.
It can be enjoyed either hot or cold.