Rich Caramel Baked Dessert

Ingredients

Dough:

• 200 ml (¾ cup) water
• 50g (1¾ oz) butter
• 150 g (1¼ cup) all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 4 eggs

Caramel Cream:

• 4 tbsp sugar
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) 30% heavy cream for cooking
• 300 ml (1¼ cups) 30% heavy cream for whipping

Vanilla Cream:

• 400 ml (1⅔ cup) milk
• 50 g (⅓ cup) vanilla custard powder or cornstarch
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 300 ml (1¼ cups) heavy cream

Caramel Frosting:

• 125 g (⅔ cup) sugar
• 45g (1½ oz) butter
• 75 ml (⅓ cup) 30% cream

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add a pinch of salt and the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
6. Pipe or spoon the dough into your desired shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10 minutes at 230°C (446°F) on top/bottom heat, then reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Set aside to cool.

Make the Caramel Cream:

1. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color.
2. Carefully add 150 ml of the cooking cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
3. Let the caramel cool slightly, then whip the remaining 300 ml of whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel mixture to create a luscious caramel cream.

Prepare the Vanilla Cream:

1. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the vanilla custard powder (or cornstarch) and sugar with a small amount of cold milk to create a smooth paste.
3. Once the milk is hot, slowly whisk in the custard mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
5. Once cooled, whip the heavy cream and fold it into the cooled custard mixture for a rich vanilla cream.

Make the Caramel Frosting:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it caramelizes to a golden brown.
2. Stir in the butter and cream, mixing until smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the frosting to cool slightly before using it to top your baked goods.

Assembly:

1. Once the dough pieces are completely cooled, slice them in half and fill with layers of caramel cream and vanilla cream.
2. Drizzle the caramel frosting over the top for an irresistible finish.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, but the dough might lose a bit of its crispness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked, unfilled dough pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill as desired.

Possible Questions:

• Can I use a different type of cream? Yes, but the texture and richness may vary. The 30% cream provides a balance of stability and creaminess.
• What if I don’t have vanilla custard powder? You can use cornstarch or vanilla pudding mix as a substitute. Just adjust the sugar accordingly.
• How can I ensure the caramel doesn’t burn? Keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes, stirring gently and lowering the heat if necessary.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Potassium: 100mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

Conclusion:

This recipe isn’t just about making a delicious dessert; it’s about carrying forward a piece of family history. The time and care that go into preparing each component—dough, caramel cream, vanilla cream, and caramel frosting—are a testament to the love and tradition behind this dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to honor your grandmother’s legacy, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite for generations to come.