Cherry Jam Crumble Cake

This cherry jam crumble cake is inspired by the home baking traditions of Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. Like many Baltic desserts, it is made with simple ingredients: flour, butter, dairy, and homemade-style fruit preserves.

The cake has a buttery crumb topping, a tender pastry base, and a generous layer of cherry jam. It is an easy, comforting dessert that brings together the flavors of traditional Baltic baking.

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 35 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 450 g (about 3 ½ cups) plain flour
• 200 g (7 oz) cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 150 g (¾ cup) sugar, or to taste
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

For the Filling

• 600 g (about 2 ½ cups) thick cherry jam

Instructions

1. Make the dough.
   Put the flour and baking powder through a sieve into a big bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the egg, sour cream, and cold butter pieces. Use your fingers to mix everything until it looks like rough crumbs.
2. Put the cake together.
   Line a baking pan with baking paper. Take out one-third of the dough and set it aside. Press the other two-thirds into the pan with your hands to make an even base and sides. Spread the cherry jam evenly over the base. Sprinkle the rest of the dough crumbs on top.
3. Bake.
   Bake in a hot oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes.
4. Let it cool.
   After baking, let the cake cool at room temperature for at least 35 minutes before you serve it.