Gateau De Tours. Recipe

Gateau De Tours, also known as Layered Jam Cake, is a delightful French dessert that originated in the city of Tours in the Loire Valley. This indulgent cake consists of slices of pound cake layered with a sweet and fruity jam or preserve, covered with a fluffy meringue-like mixture, and baked to perfection. The combination of moist cake, flavorful filling, and the light, crispy top makes this dessert a true delight for the taste buds.

The history of Gateau De Tours can be traced back several centuries. It is believed that the recipe was developed by the talented pastry chefs of Tours, who wanted to create a unique and visually appealing dessert that would please their discerning clientele. The cake first gained popularity in the 17th century and has since become a beloved traditional dessert in the region.

Fun fact: The city of Tours is also famous for its historic architecture, stunning gardens, and vineyards. So, enjoying a slice of Gateau De Tours while visiting this picturesque city can be a truly memorable experience.

Now, let's jump into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable treat:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake
- Jam or preserve of your choice
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a round cake pan and set it aside.
2. Take a pound cake and cut it into slices about half an inch in thickness.
3. Spread a generous amount of jam or preserve on one side of each cake slice. You can choose your favorite flavor, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot, to add a burst of fruity goodness to the cake.
4. Once the slices are all spread with jam, carefully place them back together to form the original shape of the pound cake. The jam filling should be sandwiched between the slices.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
6. Pour the meringue-like mixture over the assembled cake, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meringue topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
9. Gateau De Tours can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Fun fact: The meringue-like topping not only adds a beautiful golden crust to the cake but also helps to keep the interior moist and flavorful.

Gateau De Tours is a classic French dessert, but there are variations of this recipe found in different regions of France. For example, Gateau Basque from the Basque Country features a similar concept of layered cake with a filling, but it uses a different type of dough and flavorings. Additionally, Gateau Saint-Honore, a popular French dessert named after the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs, is a puff pastry base topped with choux pastry, whipped cream, and caramelized sugar.

No matter which variation you choose, each of these desserts showcases the excellence and creativity of French pastry craftsmanship. So, go ahead and try your hand at making Gateau De Tours to savor a taste of traditional French baking at its finest. Bon appétit!

Vote