Powdered Sugar: for dusting
Instructions:
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to remove any creases. Cut each sheet to fit
your baking dish or to desired size if making smaller portions.
Place the pastry sheets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash to give them
a nice golden color when baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Remove
from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Custard Filling:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just beginning to
simmer. Do not let it boil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well
combined and slightly pale in color.
Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from
cooking.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard
thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth and fully incorporated.
Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface
to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
Assemble the Cream Puff Cake:
Once the puff pastry sheets and custard are completely cool, begin assembling the cake.
Place one sheet of puff pastry on the bottom of your serving dish or baking pan.
Spread the chilled custard evenly over the pastry layer.
Top with the second sheet of puff pastry, pressing down gently to ensure the layers stick together.
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set.
Serve:
Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled.
Variations and Tips:
Flavor Enhancements: For a twist, you can add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto to
the custard for an extra layer of flavor.
Fruit Addition: Incorporate fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango slices between the
layers for a refreshing contrast.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake or add chocolate shavings for a
decadent touch.
Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. The cake is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal
freshness.
Nutritional Benefits:
Dairy: Milk and cream provide calcium, essential for bone health, and vitamin D, which aids in calcium
absorption.
Egg Yolks: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and provide essential fatty acids and protein.
Conclusion
The Cream Puff Cake is a testament to the art of baking, combining simple ingredients to create a
dessert that is both luxurious and comforting. Its flaky layers and creamy filling make it a standout
choice for any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a sweet
treat at home, this cake is sure to delight and impress. Enjoy the process of making this elegant
dessert and savor each delicious bite of this creamy, flaky delight.