Pastry Cream Cake (Crème Pâtissière Cake)
CATEGORY: Sweet and chocolates
Introduction
Pastry cream cake, also known as Crème Pâtissière cake, is one of the most delightful and classic French desserts. It combines the soft texture of sponge cake with the creamy richness of Crème Pâtissière, creating a dessert that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. With its delicious flavor and beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to impress. In this article, we will explore what makes this cake so special and how to prepare it.
What is Crème Pâtissière?
Crème Pâtissière, or pastry cream, is a thick and smooth custard made from eggs, sugar, milk, and either flour or cornstarch. It is widely used in many French pastries and desserts. The texture of Crème Pâtissière is creamy and velvety, with a subtle vanilla flavor that adds a delicate sweetness to cakes and tarts. Its versatile nature makes it an excellent choice for filling and layering in a variety of baked goods.
Ingredients for Pastry Cream Cake
The ingredients for making this cake are simple, but the combination with Crème Pâtissière creates an irresistible dessert. Here’s what you’ll need to make both the cake and the pastry cream:
For the cake:
- Flour: 200g
- Sugar: 150g
- Eggs: 4
- Butter: 100g
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon
For the Crème Pâtissière:
- Milk: 500ml
- Egg yolks: 4
- Sugar: 100g
- Flour or cornstarch: 40g
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
How to Make Crème Pâtissière:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk until warm, but don’t let it boil.
- Remove from heat before boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Add the flour or cornstarch to the egg mixture and continue to whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the cream thickens.
- Once thickened, remove from heat, add the vanilla, and let it cool completely.
Conclusion
Pastry cream cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the smooth and creamy texture of Crème Pâtissière with the lightness of sponge cake. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy a treat, this cake offers a luxurious combination of flavors and textures. It’s a timeless classic that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
