Apricot Puff Pastry Cake with Cream Filling

This Apricot Puff Pastry Cake is a delicious, layered dessert that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the tangy sweetness of homemade apricot jam and a rich, creamy filling. The contrast between the crisp pastry, smooth cream, and fruity jam makes for a satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a homemade dessert, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its elegance and flavors. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling time)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 rolls of puff pastry (each 275g)
• 1 cake ring (22cm)
• Water for brushing
• Sugar for sprinkling

For the Apricot Jam:

• 500g apricots
• 60ml (4 tbsp) water
• 100g (1/2 cup) sugar
• 25g (2 tbsp) cornstarch
• 50ml (1/5 cup) water

For the Cream:

• 400g (2 cups) cream (33% fat)
• 16g (2 tsp) vanilla sugar
• 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
• 300g (1.3 cups) cream cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200℃ (392℉).
• Roll the Puff Pastry: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it in a 22cm cake ring. Press it gently to fit the shape of the ring.
• Brush with Water and Sugar: Brush the puff pastry with water and sprinkle with sugar to give it a beautiful, caramelized finish.
• Bake: Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Apricot Jam:

• Cook the Apricots: In a saucepan, combine 500g apricots, 60ml water, and 100g sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Make the Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, mix 25g cornstarch with 50ml water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling apricots.
• Thicken the Jam: Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, until the apricot jam thickens. Let it cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Filling:

• Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine 400g cream, 16g vanilla sugar, and 50g sugar. Beat the mixture until soft peaks form.
• Add the Cream Cheese: Add 300g cream cheese to the whipped cream and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Layer the Apricot Jam: Spread a generous layer of the cooled apricot jam over the cooled puff pastry base.
• Add the Cream Filling: Spread a generous layer of the cream filling over the jam.
• Add the Second Puff Pastry Layer: Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry in the same manner as the first and bake it. Once it’s cooled, place it on top of the cream layer, pressing gently to compact the layers.
• Chill: Cover the assembled cake with cling film and place it in the fridge overnight to set.

5. Serve:

• Top with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
• Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake into individual servings and enjoy this delightful dessert.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: Serve this cake alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
• For Special Occasions: This cake is ideal for birthdays, holiday dinners, or celebrations. Its elegance and delicious flavors make it the perfect centerpiece for any dessert table.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared the day before, making it a great option for stress-free entertaining. Just be sure to refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cream filling to set.
• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the jam and cream by increasing or decreasing the sugar. Taste and add more if necessary.
• Perfect Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is fully baked and golden for a crisp texture. Don’t skip the sugar topping, as it adds a caramelized crunch.

Variations to Try

• Other Fruit Jam: If apricots aren’t in season, you can substitute them with other fruits like peaches, plums, or mixed berries for a different flavor.
• Nutty Variation: Add crushed nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts between the layers for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Touch: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top or in between the layers of the cake for a decadent twist on this already indulgent dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

• Apricots: Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, which support eye health and boost immunity. They also contain fiber to aid in digestion.
• Cream and Cream Cheese: The cream and cream cheese provide a rich source of calcium and healthy fats, though they should be enjoyed in moderation.
• Puff Pastry: While puff pastry is a source of carbohydrates, the layers of the pastry provide a satisfying, crunchy texture that complements the creamy filling.

Conclusion

This Apricot Puff Pastry Cake with Cream Filling is a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for any special occasion. The layers of crisp puff pastry, sweet apricot jam, and creamy filling come together to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and elegant. With a little preparation and patience, you can enjoy this delightful dessert at home and impress your guests with a truly spectacular dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake without cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture.

2. Can I use store-bought apricot jam? Yes, you can use store-bought jam, but homemade jam gives the cake a fresher, richer flavor.

3. Can I freeze this cake? It’s best to freeze the individual layers separately and assemble them when you’re ready to serve. Freezing the filled cake may affect the texture of the cream.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free version or make your own gluten-free puff pastry.

5. How long does this cake last in the fridge? The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the puff pastry may start to soften.