Linzer Torte: the easy recipe for making the traditional Austrian dessert

The Linzer torte, as the name suggests, is a typical dessert originated in Linz, Austria. It is made with hazelnut flour, that adds that homely taste to the cake, and it is filled with red berries or red currant jam, and it is then oven baked. Its fragrant texture, soft and fluffy, is to die for. The sweetness of the shortcrust pastry contrasts nicely with the sour flavor of the fruit jam, creating a balanced dessert that is never cloying and suitable for all occasions.

You can enjoy this cake for breakfast, after your meals or as a delicious snack paired with a hot cup of tea. With ancient origins, this cake is traditionally baked for the Christmas holidays, not only in Austria, but also in Switzerland and Northern Italy. Like most traditional recipes, there are several existing versions of it, but the one we are sharing here today is the original one.

How to store Linzer Torte

You can store the linzer torte at room temperature for 2-3 days, under a glass dome. You can freeze it before or after baking it and store it for 1-2 months.

Another recipe you need to try

Linzer Cookies: the beautiful easy-to-make Austrian sandwich cookie 

How to make Linzer Torte

Step 1

Step 1

With a food processor, blend together the hazelnut, the sugar, the lemon zest, the vanilla and the cinnamon 1.

With a food processor, blend together the hazelnut, the sugar, the lemon zest, the vanilla and the cinnamon 1.

Step 2

Step 2

Blend until everything is finely crushed and the result is fine as flour 2.

Blend until everything is finely crushed and the result is fine as flour 2.

Step 3

Step 3

Add the flour, butter and eggs 3. Combine the ingredients together, so that the mixture gets compact.

Add the flour, butter and eggs 3. Combine the ingredients together, so that the mixture gets compact.

Step 4

Step 4

The result will be a very soft shortcrust pastry dough 4. Wrap it in cling film and store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

The result will be a very soft shortcrust pastry dough 4. Wrap it in cling film and store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5

Step 5

Once ready, divide the dough into two parts, making sure that one is slightly bigger than the other 5.

Once ready, divide the dough into two parts, making sure that one is slightly bigger than the other 5.

Step 6

Step 6

Dust your work surface with flour and lay the bigger dough on it, flattening it with a rolling pin 6. Alternatively, do the same between 2 sheets of parchment paper.

Dust your work surface with flour and lay the bigger dough on it, flattening it with a rolling pin 6. Alternatively, do the same between 2 sheets of parchment paper.

Step 7

Step 7

Lay the dough on a cake mold (24-26cm diameter) and prick it with a fork 7.

Lay the dough on a cake mold (24-26cm diameter) and prick it with a fork 7.

Step 8

Step 8

Spread the jam on top of the dough, trying not to spread it on the edges 8.

Spread the jam on top of the dough, trying not to spread it on the edges 8.

Step 9

Step 9

Roll out the remaining dough, and create strips 0,5cm thick 9.

Roll out the remaining dough, and create strips 0,5cm thick 9.

Step 10

Step 10

Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Lay the stripes on the cake, creating a grill pattern 10.

Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Lay the stripes on the cake, creating a grill pattern 10.

Step 11

Step 11

With a brush, wet the edges of the cake with water and decorate with sliced almonds 11. Store the linzer torte in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then bake it at 170-175 °C (340-350°F) in a static oven for around 50 minutes 11.

With a brush, wet the edges of the cake with water and decorate with sliced almonds 11. Store the linzer torte in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then bake it at 170-175 °C (340-350°F) in a static oven for around 50 minutes 11.

Step 12

Step 12

Once ready, let it cool, slice and serve. It will be even tastier the next day. Enjoy!

Once ready, let it cool, slice and serve. It will be even tastier the next day. Enjoy!