Plum Linzer Torte

You know that feeling when the smell of baked fruit fills the kitchen? That’s what happens every time I make this Plum Linzer Torte. It’s sweet, nutty, and feels like a warm hug in every bite.

The crust is buttery with just the right crunch, and the plum filling adds that perfect mix of tart and sweet. I remember the first time I cut into it — the color, the smell, everything was pure comfort. It’s one of those desserts that makes the whole day feel better.

I love it best with a little whipped cream or just a sprinkle of sugar on top. It’s simple, cozy, and so worth the effort. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite bakes.

So, grab your plums, almonds, and butter. Let’s bake this beautiful Plum Linzer Torte together. It’s easier than it looks and tastes even better than it sounds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: If you’re a fan of Linzer torte, you’ll love the added twist of plum preserves. This is a timeless classic with a fresh fruity flavor.
• Buttery and Rich: The combination of almond flour and butter creates a soft, crumbly base that melts in your mouth.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, along with plum preserves, adds depth and complexity to the torte.
• Impressive Presentation: The intricate lattice top gives it a bakery-quality look and will wow anyone you serve it to.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This torte can be prepared ahead of time, and it tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Plum Linzer Torte, you will need the following tools:

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom: This ensures easy release of the torte and a professional-looking result.
• Mixing bowls: For combining all your ingredients.
• Whisk: To mix the dry ingredients and ensure they are evenly incorporated.
• Pastry cutter or fingers: For cutting the butter into the flour to form the dough.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough into the correct size and shape.
• Plastic wrap: To wrap the dough and chill it before baking.
• Wire rack: For cooling the torte once it’s baked.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this incredible dessert (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your dough, giving it the structure it needs.
• Almond Flour: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and tender texture to the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough while balancing the tang of the plum preserves.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dough and preserves the balance between sweet and savory.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: A warm spice mix that gives the torte its comforting, holiday-like flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates the perfect crumbly texture for the crust.
• Large Egg: Binds the dough together and helps it hold its shape during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Plum Preserves: The star ingredient, giving the torte its fruity, sweet filling.
• Plum Slices: For decorating the top and adding a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top of the finished torte for a beautiful presentation.

Variations for Plum Linzer Torte

• Use Other Fruit Preserves: While plum preserves are traditional, you can switch them out for apricot, raspberry, or strawberry preserves for a different flavor.
• Add a Hint of Citrus: A touch of lemon or orange zest in the dough can brighten the flavor profile and complement the fruit filling.
• Spiced Nuts: Mix chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios into the dough to add extra texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the cooled torte before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This dry mixture creates the base flavor for your torte, with the almond flour bringing a nutty richness and the spices providing warmth.

Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough. This step is crucial for creating the flaky texture of the crust.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, make a well in the center of the mixture and crack the egg into it. Add the vanilla extract, and use a fork to gently combine everything until a dough begins to form. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough slightly to bring it all together.

Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing it gently into the sides and corners. Trim off any excess dough.

3. Add the Plum Preserves

Spread the plum preserves evenly over the bottom of the prepared crust. The preserves will provide a sweet and tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the buttery, spiced crust.

4. Make the Lattice Top

To create the lattice design, roll out the remaining dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into strips about 3/4-inch wide. Carefully arrange the strips in a criss-cross pattern over the top of the plum preserves. Trim the edges of the dough and press them into the sides of the crust to seal.

5. Add the Plum Slices

Place the thin plum slices in a decorative pattern on top of the lattice, pressing them gently into the dough. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh fruit flavor.

6. Bake the Torte

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the torte in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the preserves are bubbly. Keep an eye on the torte toward the end of baking, as you may need to cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent them from getting too dark.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the Plum Linzer Torte to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Serve Plum Linzer Torte

This Plum Linzer Torte is perfect for any occasion and can be served in many delightful ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve slices of this beautiful torte as a standalone dessert after dinner. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• For Afternoon Tea: This torte is a lovely addition to an afternoon tea spread, offering a sweet, fruity contrast to savory finger sandwiches.
• With Coffee or Tea: The warm spices in the torte make it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea.
• Gift-Giving: Since it keeps well and looks impressive, it’s an ideal treat to share with friends or family, making it a great gift during the holidays or for special occasions.

Storing Plum Linzer Torte

• Room Temperature: You can store the Plum Linzer Torte at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the torte for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the torte. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	380 kcal
Total Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	60 mg
Sodium	80 mg
Total Carbohydrates	45 g
Dietary Fiber	3 g
Total Sugars	26 g
Protein	6 g
Vitamin D	1 mcg
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	2 mg
Potassium	150 mg

Conclusion

This Plum Linzer Torte is the perfect combination of flavors and textures: buttery, nutty, fruity, and spiced. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. The intricate lattice top, combined with the rich plum preserves and warm spices, makes this torte not only a delicious dessert but a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy every bite of this classic, updated with a burst of seasonal fruit!

Plum Linzer Torte FAQs

Can I use other fruit preserves?

Absolutely! While plum is traditional, you can swap it with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or strawberry for a different flavor.

How do I make the torte gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten-free.

Can I make the lattice top without a pastry cutter?

Yes, you can cut the dough into strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Just be sure to keep the strips even for a uniform lattice design.