This classic choux pastry cake is a delightful combination of light, airy pastry, rich buttercream, and creamy filling, topped with flaked almonds for a perfect crunch. It’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and ideal for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence.
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- For the Cream:
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar (150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (70 grams)
- 2 cups milk (500 ml)
- For the Choux Pastry:
- 1/2 cup water (100 ml)
- 1/2 cup milk (100 ml)
- 1/3 cup butter (80 grams)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup flour (120 grams)
- 3-4 eggs (depending on size)
- Flaked almonds (for topping)
- For the Buttercream:
- 2/3 cup butter at room temperature (140 grams)
- Prepared pudding from the cream filling (at room temperature)
Directions
- Prepare the Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
- Cover with cling film to prevent a skin from forming and cool completely.
- Prepare the Choux Pastry:
- In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, salt, and sugar. Heat until the butter is melted.
- Stir in the flour all at once and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 4 minutes.
- Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F). Pipe or spoon the dough into a circle (18 cm/7 inches) on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Buttercream:
- Gradually mix the room-temperature pudding into the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Slice the cooled choux pastry horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread the buttercream generously on the bottom layer and place the top layer over it.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.
- Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added elegance.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the choux pastry dough cools slightly before adding the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Use a piping bag for a neater pastry shape.
- Let the cream and butter reach room temperature before combining to avoid curdling.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in protein from eggs and milk.
- Provides energy from the butter and flour.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Not suitable for freezing due to the cream and butter content.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for impressing guests with its elegant presentation.
- A delightful balance of light pastry and rich, creamy filling.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings.
- A timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion.
Conclusion
This choux pastry cream cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines delicate pastry with rich buttercream and a hint of crunch from the almond topping. Whether for a celebration or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table. Treat yourself to this classic recipe, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!