Kremsnite - A Delightful Cream Cake

Kremsnite, also known as "Cremeschnitte," is a delicious cream-filled pastry that hails from Central and Eastern Europe. This traditional dessert is particularly popular in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, where it is a staple at special gatherings and celebrations. The dessert features layers of puff pastry sandwiching a luscious vanilla custard cream, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

250 g puff pastry
800 ml milk
30 g corn starch
60 g flour
150 g sugar
3 eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
80 g sweet cream

Preparation Time

Total preparation and cooking time: 300 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
Roll out the puff pastry very thinly and prick it all over with a fork. Bake on parchment paper for about 15 minutes or until golden. Cool thoroughly.
Prepare the cream: Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
Mix the egg yolks with 100 g of sugar, corn starch, and 240 ml of milk. Whisk everything together.
Pour the remaining milk into a pot and bring to a boil. Gradually add the prepared egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Add salt to the egg whites and beat until frothy. Add the remaining sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the prepared egg white mixture into the hot milk mixture. Whip the sweet cream and fold it into the mixture as well.
Cut the baked pastry into equal rectangles, ensuring the number is divisible by two, as it forms the top and bottom layers of the cake.
Using a springform pan (optional but helps contain the cream), line the bottom with half the pastry. Spread the cream over it and cover with the remaining pastry.
Refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Bon Appétit!

Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of rum or almond extract to the cream.
If you find the cream too soft, refrigerate for an extra hour to let it firm up.

Nutritions

Approximate values per serving (for reference):

Calories: 350
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free puff pastry and replace flour with gluten-free alternatives.
Add fresh fruits like sliced strawberries or raspberries between layers for an additional flavor burst.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.
Pair with a light dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Best Places

Café Central - Known for its elegant atmosphere and classic pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Vinodol - Offers traditional Croatian desserts in a cozy setting. Location: Teslina ul. 10, Zagreb, Croatia.
Kavarna Zvezda - A charming café famous for its kremsnite. Location: Wolfova ulica 12, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Eszterházy Kávéház - A historic café with a wide array of desserts. Location: Károlyi utca 12, Budapest, Hungary.
Hotel Park - Renowned for its original Bled Cream Cake. Location: Cesta svobode 15, Bled, Slovenia.
Cukrárna Myšák - Offers delicious pastries in an iconic setting. Location: Vodičkova 31, Prague, Czech Republic.
Café Europa - Known for fine pastries and a serene environment. Location: Dvořákovo nábřeží 6, Bratislava, Slovakia.
Kurtoš Kalács - A trendy spot for enjoying traditional treats. Location: Wesselenyi utca 13, Budapest, Hungary.
Mali Raj - A hidden gem offering local Croatian sweets. Location: Šetalište Petra Preradovića, Split, Croatia.
Café Sperl - Historic and beloved by locals, perfect for proving the authenticity of your kremsnite. Location: Gumpendorfer Str. 11, Vienna, Austria.