Creamy Napoleon Cake Recipe

This delicious and indulgent Creamy Napoleon Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of buttery, flaky pastry with rich and luscious cream filling. This cake is perfect for celebrations or special gatherings and is sure to impress your guests with its elegant appearance and delectable taste. The preparation involves creating a delicate pastry and a creamy custard filling, both requiring attention to detail for the best results. While the process may seem intricate, the end result is well worth the effort, as each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. This cake holds a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of childhood desserts and family traditions. It is distinct for its lack of jam or condensed milk, focusing solely on the harmony between pastry and cream. Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and let’s get baking. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds once they savor this exquisite cake.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 300g cold butter
• 450-600g all-purpose flour, sifted
• ½ tbsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 300ml sour cream

Cream Filling:

• 5 eggs
• 400g sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 liter milk
• 450g butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation Time

Total Time: 2 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: Cut the cold butter into small (2x2 cm) cubes and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add sifted flour to the butter and use your hands to blend them together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, vinegar, and sour cream until smooth.
4. Gradually add the sour cream mixture to the flour and butter, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
5. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
7. Prepare the Cream Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth.
8. Slowly add milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
9. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens to a yogurt-like consistency.
10. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
11. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
12. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into six equal parts.
13. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 30 cm in diameter.
14. Place the rolled dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
15. While the cream filling cools, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth in a large bowl.
16. Gradually add the cooled custard and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing until fully combined.
17. Assemble the Cake: In a cake pan, layer the pastry and cream—start with a pastry layer, then cream, and continue alternating.
18. Use a spatula to evenly spread the cream filling over each pastry layer.
19. Decorate the top layer as desired, using leftover crumbs from the pastry or other desired toppings.
20. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.

Tips

• To prevent sticking, use flour on rolling pins and surfaces when rolling out the dough.
• Ensure the cream filling is completely cool before mixing with butter to avoid melting.
• For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream filling.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 600 per slice
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 40g
• Carbs: 50g

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
• Consider using coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh berry compote on the side to add a fruity contrast.
• Pair the cake with a light Moscato dessert wine for an elegant dessert course.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top just before serving for an extra touch of luxury.

Best Places

• Ladurée - Renowned for its pastries and classic French desserts. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
• Café Savoy - Offers traditional and modern takes on dessert favorites. Location: Vítězná 124/5, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Cafe de l’Opera - A breath of luxury and authentic taste. Location: 1 Rambla dels Caputxins, Barcelona, Spain.
• Demel - Legendary for exquisite cakes and confections. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Café Central - Combines historic ambiance with delightful pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Conditorei Schober - Known for its charming setting and delicious cakes. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Cova - Where elegance meets taste in every dessert. Location: 8 Via Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy.
• Angelina - Famed for creamy desserts and luxurious atmosphere. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki - A fusion of French techniques with Japanese flavors. Location: 56 Blvd de Port-Royal, Paris, France.
• The Cheesecake Factory - Offers an extensive menu with global locations. Various locations worldwide.