Irresistibly Creamy Easy Napoleon Cake for Home Bakers Recipe

Introduction

Napoleon Cake is a classic dessert known for its delicate layers of flaky puff pastry and rich, creamy custard. This easy recipe simplifies the process, making it perfect for home bakers craving a delicious, impressive treat.

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 4×3 inches. Prick each 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 a second baking tray to keep them flat while baking.
4. Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let 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 separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously.
7. Step 7: Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
9. Step 9: On a serving dish, layer one sheet of puff pastry, spread a generous amount of custard on top, then repeat the layering. Finish with a final layer of pastry.
10. Step 10: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the cream set.
11. Step 11: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or almond extract to the custard.
• Use gluten-free puff pastry if you need a gluten-free version.
• Chill the puff pastry sheets before baking to prevent excessive puffing.
• Substitute fresh berries with chopped nuts for a crunchy garnish.

Storage

Store the Napoleon Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the puff pastry, the cake is best enjoyed within this time frame to maintain texture. Reheat slightly in a warm oven if you prefer it not cold, but avoid microwaving as it may soften the pastry too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, custard can be made a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until needed.

What if my puff pastry doesn’t crisp up?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) and that the pastries are pricked evenly with a fork. Using parchment and a second baking tray prevents them from puffing up too much, helping them crisp properly.

Irresistibly Creamy Easy Napoleon Cake for Home Bakers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

This irresistibly creamy and easy Napoleon Cake recipe is perfect for home bakers looking to create a classic French dessert featuring layers of flaky puff pastry and smooth vanilla custard. The cake is elegantly finished with powdered sugar and optional fresh berries, making it a visually stunning and delicious treat for any occasion.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Puff Pastry

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

Custard Filling

• 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)

Finishing

• 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.
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 rising during baking.
3. Bake Pastry Layers: Place the cut puff pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with another parchment sheet and a second tray to keep them flat. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Then, cool the baked layers on a wire rack.
4. Warm Milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the whole milk until it is steaming but not boiling, preparing it for the custard mixture.
5. Mix Custard Base: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into this mixture while continuously whisking to combine.
6. Cook Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes, or until the custard thickens sufficiently.
7. Add Butter and Flavor: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Cake: On a serving dish, layer a piece of baked puff pastry, spread an even layer of custard over it, and repeat the layers, finishing with a puff pastry layer on top.
9. Chill: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and meld the flavors.
10. Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with fresh berries for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Using all-butter puff pastry enhances the flavor and texture of the pastry layers.
• Pricking the puff pastry prevents puffing up too much and creates a more uniform layer.
• Ensure the milk is warm but not boiling before mixing with the egg yolks to prevent curdling.
• Refrigerating the assembled cake allows the custard to set and the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Fresh berries add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast but can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.

Keywords: Napoleon cake, puff pastry, custard, French dessert, creamy cake, layered dessert, easy Napoleon recipe