Vanilla Almond Cream Cake

This Vanilla Almond Cream Cake is a delightful dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a creamy filling and a light, airy choux pastry base, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. The flaked almonds add a lovely crunch to each bite. Baking this cake allows you to experience the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, yet the result is an impressive cake that looks as though it came from a high-end bakery. This recipe is perfect for celebrating special occasions, impressing guests at a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a luxurious homemade dessert.

---

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)
• Baking Time: 30-40 minutes

---

Ingredients

For the Cream:

• 2 eggs
• 150 grams sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 70 grams cornstarch
• 500 ml milk

For the Choux Pastry:

• 100 ml water
• 100 ml milk
• 80 grams butter
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 120 grams flour
• 3-4 eggs (depending on size)
• Flaked almonds for topping

For the Buttercream:

• 140 grams butter (at room temperature)
• Prepared pudding from the cream filling (at room temperature)

---

Directions

1. Prepare the Cream:
   • In a saucepan, combine 2 eggs, 150 grams sugar, vanilla sugar, and 70 grams cornstarch.
   • Gradually add 500 ml milk, stirring constantly.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
   • Cover with cling film and let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Choux Pastry:
   • In a saucepan, combine 100 ml water, 100 ml milk, 80 grams butter, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Heat until the butter has dissolved.
   • Add 120 grams flour and cook the batter for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
   • Let the dough cool for 4 minutes.
   • Gradually add 3-4 eggs to the batter, one at a time, until the dough slowly pulls away from the spoon.
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
   • On a baking sheet, form the dough into a circle with a diameter of 18 cm (7 inches). Grease with the remaining egg and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
   • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
3. Prepare the Buttercream:
   • Gradually add the room temperature pudding to the 140 grams of room temperature butter, mixing until smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Slice the baked choux pastry horizontally to create two layers.
   • Spread the buttercream on the bottom layer and place the top layer over it.
   • Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the cream and butter are at room temperature before mixing to avoid curdling.
• If the dough is too thick, add a bit more egg, little by little, until the consistency is right.

Nutritional Benefits

• Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
• Milk: A good source of calcium and vitamin D.
• Almonds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the unfilled choux pastry for up to 1 month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Crunchy: The combination of creamy filling and crunchy almonds is irresistible.
• Impressive and Delicious: Perfect for impressing guests with a homemade dessert.
• Versatile: Can be adapted with different fillings and toppings.

---

Conclusion

This Vanilla Almond Cream Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its light choux pastry and creamy filling are sure to please any palate. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness!

There’s a special joy in baking a cake that brings smiles to the faces of those who taste it. This Vanilla Almond Cream Cake is not just a dessert, but a piece of culinary art that you can be proud to share. The combination of the airy choux pastry, rich buttercream, and crunchy almonds creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and memorable. This cake is perfect for marking special occasions or simply making any day feel special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Vanilla Almond Cream Cake will elevate the moment. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite. Happy baking!