A Taste of Home: This Traditional Austrian Cake is Perfect for Summer
Growing up, Director of Pastry Research and Development Chef Jürgen David would enjoy making obstfleck with fresh fruits from his home garden during the summer months in Austria.
Now, living in the United States, he finds the taste of home through the simple and traditional Austrian cake.
Obstfleck is typically made with apricots and other , best served during summertime. It’s a delicious everyday cake, easy to whip up for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Chef Jürgen describes obstfleck as the “taste of summer,” but it can be made with any fruit or leftover ingredients based on seasonality.
“Use the fruits you have laying around to explore endless variations of the cake,” he says, for when those glorious stone fruits aren’t in season.
The cake is light, fluffy, and sweet with a tang of sour from the fruits, topped off with a whipped cream. There are a wide variety of variations for obstfleck recipes, so it can be savored and enjoyed in many different ways.
Learn how to make it below.
Ingredients
For the Swiss Meringue:
- 165 grams egg whites
- 250 grams sugar
For the Crumble:
- 450 grams butter
- 225 grams light brown sugar
- 225 grams sugar
- 3 grams cinnamon
- 675 grams all-purpose flour
For Cake and Assembly:
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 15 grams baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 125 grams oil
- 100 grams yolks
- 250 grams sugar, divided
- 1bl Vanilla
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 125 grams water
- 150 grams egg whites
- Seasonal fruit
- Reserved crumble or Swiss meringue, for topping
Directions
For the Swiss Meringue:
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, gently whisk the egg whites and sugar together.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, and lightly whisk the mixture by hand until it’s hot to the touch or a candy thermometer reads 140°F (60°C).
- Return the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip on medium-high speed until doubled in volume.
- Whisk until the meringue reaches medium to stiff peaks and has cooled down.
For the Crumble:
- Melt butter and cool.
- Combine the remaining ingredients and stir butter in evenly; cool for 5 minutes.
- Break into crumbs by hand and spread over batter before baking.
For the Cake and Assembly:
- In a mixing bowl, combine and sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt).
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the oil and the egg yolks; whisk in 150 grams sugar, vanilla extract and lemon zest; whisk in water.
- Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients, and mix until no lumps remain (be careful not to over mix). Reserve.
- Meanwhile, make a French meringue with egg whites and remaining sugar, and using a stand mixer, whip until medium peak forms.
- Carefully fold 1/3 of the meringue into flour mixture; reserve the rest.
- Pour batter into prepared baking sheet or pan, and gently spread evenly; top with fruit arranged cut-side up.
- Bake at 350˚F for 25 to 30 minutes; remove and let cool.
- Once cooled, evenly spread meringue over the top; lightly torch meringue and serve immediately.
