Irresistibly Creamy Easy Napoleon Cake Recipe

Introduction

Napoleon Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring crisp puff pastry and velvety custard. This easy version brings irresistibly creamy texture without complex steps, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself at home.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets (select all-butter for a richer taste)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (enhances creaminess)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 large Egg Yolks (use fresh eggs)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch (stabilizes the custard)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (can be substituted with margarine)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (opt for pure extract)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for dusting)
• 1 cup Fresh Berries (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into rectangles about 4 by 3 inches. Prick each piece with a fork to prevent puffing.
3. Step 3: Place the cut pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with another parchment sheet and place a second tray on top to keep them flat.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
5. Step 5: Warm the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to combine.
7. Step 7: Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until it thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat, then stir in unsalted butter and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: On a serving dish, create layers by alternating puff pastry and custard. Finish with a top layer of puff pastry.
10. Step 10: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
11. Step 11: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the puff pastry lightly before assembling the cake.
• Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Use a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful garnish.
• If you prefer a lighter custard, replace half the milk with cream.

Storage

Store the assembled cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness of the puff pastry, assemble just before serving if possible. Reheat slices gently in a microwave for a few seconds if preferred warm, though it’s best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use high-quality store-bought custard to save time, but homemade custard offers a fresher taste and better texture.

Is it possible to freeze Napoleon Cake?

Freezing is not recommended as the puff pastry may become soggy after thawing, affecting the texture and overall enjoyment.

Irresistibly Creamy Easy Napoleon Cake Recipe

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Indulge in the classic French dessert with this Irresistibly Creamy Easy Napoleon Cake recipe featuring layers of golden puff pastry and rich vanilla custard, topped with powdered sugar and fresh berries for an elegant finish.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

• 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets (Select all-butter for a richer taste)

Custard

• 2 cups Whole Milk (Enhances creaminess)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste)
• 4 large Egg Yolks (Use fresh eggs)
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Stabilizes the custard)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Can be substituted with margarine)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure extract)

Garnish

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting)
• 1 cup Fresh Berries (Optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the puff pastry layers evenly and achieve a golden brown crust.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into rectangles approximately 4×3 inches. Prick each piece with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
3. Bake Puff Pastry: Place the cut pastry rectangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with another sheet of parchment paper and then a second baking tray to keep them flat while baking.
4. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Once done, cool the pastries on a wire rack.
5. Warm Milk: In a saucepan, warm the whole milk over medium heat until it is steaming but not boiling, to prepare it for custard making.
6. Mix Egg Yolks and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and combined.
7. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
8. Thicken Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
9. Finish Custard: Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the custard is smooth and glossy.
10. Assemble Cake: On a serving platter, layer the baked puff pastry and spread a generous amount of custard over each layer. Repeat layering, finishing with a pastry sheet on top.
11. Chill: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the custard to set and the flavors to meld.
12. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired to enhance both presentation and flavor.

Notes

• Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
• Tempering the eggs when adding warm milk prevents scrambling in the custard.
• The cake needs adequate chilling time to properly set the custard layers.
• Fresh berries add a fresh, vibrant contrast but can be omitted for a classic presentation.
• The top baking layer can be dusted with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of apricot glaze for extra shine.

Keywords: Napoleon Cake, French Dessert, Puff Pastry, Custard, Layered Cake, Vanilla Cream, Easy Dessert