This recipe brings the timeless flavors of a Linzer torte into a quick, easy-to-make sheet cake bar. With a beautifully spiced dough, a rich almond base, and the tart sweetness of red currant jam, this cake is a perfect combination of texture and flavor. Topped with a crisscross of dough and a sprinkle of crunchy almond flakes, each slice is bursting with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and almonds. Whether you're serving it for an afternoon tea or as a special dessert for a celebration, these Linzer sheet cake bars are sure to impress. The best part? This cake stays wonderfully moist for days, making it an ideal make-ahead treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it takes the best parts of the traditional Linzer torte and transforms them into an easy-to-make, yet equally impressive, dessert. The buttery dough, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, is complemented by the nutty richness of ground almonds and a light biscuit crumb for an extra tender crumb. The sweet-tart balance of the red currant jam adds a bright contrast to the warmth of the spices and the richness of the dough. The lattice top, which adds a visually appealing pattern, makes the cake look as good as it tastes. If you’re looking for a dessert that is both comforting and elegant, this is the perfect choice.
The Perfect Occasion
Linzer sheet cake bars are ideal for any gathering where you want to serve a delicious, homemade treat without spending too much time in the kitchen. They are perfect for afternoon coffee with friends, holiday baking, or a casual family dessert. These bars also work wonderfully as a sweet addition to a brunch spread or a picnic, as they travel well and can be enjoyed at room temperature. With their simple preparation and impressive result, they can be made in advance and are perfect for when you want a dessert that looks and tastes like you put in a lot of effort, without actually doing so!
Decoration Tips
To make your Linzer sheet cake bars look as good as they taste, focus on creating a beautiful lattice pattern with the remaining dough on top. Make sure the lines are evenly spaced for a clean, classic look. Sprinkling the top with slivered almonds before baking not only adds texture and flavor, but also gives the cake a golden, toasty finish. Once the cake has cooled, you can give it an extra decorative touch by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar. For special occasions, you might also garnish each bar with a small dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh red currants to highlight the jam filling.
Ingredients:
- 250g butter
- 200g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 250g flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1/4 liter milk
- 120g ground almonds
- 200g finely ground biscuit crumbs (you can use leftover cookies)
For the filling:
- 300-400g red currant jam
For the topping:
- Slivered almonds for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 30x30 cm baking pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the ground cinnamon and ground cloves to evenly distribute the spices throughout the batter.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently to form a smooth batter.
- In another bowl, combine the ground almonds and finely ground biscuit crumbs. Fold this mixture into the batter until everything is well incorporated.
- Spread two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Then, generously spread the red currant jam over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface in a thick, even layer.
- Transfer the remaining dough into a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip. Pipe the dough in a lattice pattern over the jam layer, crisscrossing the lines to create a classic Linzer design.
- Sprinkle the entire surface with slivered almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dough is fully baked through. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
Enjoy!