Looking for a delicious dessert recipe that’s simple to make yet impressively elegant? This layered cream cake is the perfect choice! It’s a favorite weekend treat that’s incredibly easy to prepare and quick to bake. With a rich and velvety cream filling, buttery and flaky pastry layers, and a delightful touch of white chocolate, this dessert is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of textures and flavors creates a stunning and mouth-watering cake that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
This recipe walks you through each step in detail, ensuring that even novice bakers can create a beautiful and delicious cake. Get ready to enjoy a slice of pure bliss!
Ingredients
For the Cream:
- 2 large eggs
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) cornstarch
- 500 grams (2 cups) milk
- 8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
For the Pastry Dough:
- 180 grams (3/4 cup) water
- 90 grams (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of sugar
- 130 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 3-4 large eggs
For the Sour Cream Layer:
- 500 grams (2 cups) sour cream
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or any desired flavoring
- 2 large eggs
For the Pastry Crust:
- 250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 70 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 150 grams (2/3 cup) cold butter, cubed
For Decoration:
- White chocolate, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 eggs and 150 grams of sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add 70 grams of cornstarch and mix until well combined.
- Slowly pour in 500 grams of milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and add 50 grams of butter and vanilla sugar. Mix until the butter melts and the cream is smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In another saucepan, bring 180 grams of water, 90 grams of butter, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of sugar to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add 130 grams of flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, creating 2–3 layers to form discs of about 18 cm in diameter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Sour Cream Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 500 grams of sour cream, 150 grams of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 8 grams of vanilla sugar, and 2 eggs.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and add 50 grams of butter, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pastry Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix 250 grams of flour, 70 grams of powdered sugar, and 150 grams of cold, cubed butter.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Divide the dough into two parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out each portion to about 18 cm in diameter and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one of the baked pastry discs on a serving plate and spread a layer of the cream filling on top.
- Add another layer of the baked pastry disc and repeat the process, alternating between the sour cream layer and cream filling until all layers are stacked.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cake or use it to create elegant swirls or patterns.
- Serve chilled and enjoy a delightful bite of this layered cream cake!
Cooking Tips
- Egg Temperature: Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature before using them in the cream filling and pastry dough. This helps in achieving a smoother texture.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: When adding eggs to the pastry dough, mix until just combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Chill the Layers: Proper chilling is crucial for this cake. It helps the layers set firmly and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
- Custom Decorations: You can use dark chocolate, fruit, or nuts as alternative decorations to add a unique touch to the cake.
Nutritional Benefits
This layered cream cake offers a delightful indulgence with several nutritional elements:
- Protein: Eggs provide a good source of high-quality protein.
- Calcium: Milk and sour cream contribute calcium, important for bone health.
- Energy Boost: Carbohydrates from sugar and flour provide a quick energy boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This cake is a show-stopper that will impress your guests, whether it’s for a weekend treat or a special celebration.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding flavors like cocoa powder or coffee to the cream, or by experimenting with different toppings.
- Balanced Sweetness: The combination of creamy and flaky layers ensures a well-balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe does not contain any meat or fish products, making it suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains Dairy and Eggs: It is not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to eggs.
- Gluten: The recipe includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. Use gluten-free flour alternatives if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of the airy choux pastry, creamy custard, and rich sour cream layer creates a beautiful harmony of textures. The lightly sweetened pastry balances the rich and creamy layers, resulting in a dessert that’s indulgent but not overly heavy. Refrigerating the assembled cake allows the layers to meld together, enhancing the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This layered cream cake recipe is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. It brings together simple ingredients to create an outstanding dessert that’s both visually appealing and delicious. The balance of textures and flavors makes this cake a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy baking this delightful treat that will surely become a favorite in your household!
- Prepare the Cream Filling: