Classic German Cake with Cream and Apricot Jam 🇩🇪

🥣 Preparation

1️⃣ Make the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 10-inch (25 cm) springform pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides if desired.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and slightly thickened.
3. Add the milk, sunflower oil, and yogurt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and vanilla.
5. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually. Gently fold with a spatula in circular motions, keeping the batter airy.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack and remove the parchment base.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cream

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and egg yolk until fully blended.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard consistency. This may take 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and melted through.
4. Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool first at room temperature, then in the refrigerator until fully chilled.
5. Once cooled, beat the custard with a hand mixer until creamy and light. If using, fold in 1–2 tablespoons of whipped cream for added fluffiness. Chill again briefly.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake

1. Use a serrated knife to slice the cooled cake horizontally into two equal layers.
2. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of apricot jam across the surface.
3. Spread the prepared cream evenly over the jam layer, smoothing it with a spatula.
4. Gently place the top cake layer over the cream, aligning the edges carefully like a lid.
5. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar using a fine sieve for a snowy finish.
   

   🎂 Serving Suggestion