Karpatka Cake Recipe
Are you looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make? Many homebakers struggle to find a recipe that balances elegance with simplicity.
The frustration of complicated recipes can take the joy out of baking. You want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen or needing advanced skills.
Enter the Karpatka Cake, a delightful Polish dessert that combines light choux pastry with a creamy vanilla filling. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to impress their guests with minimal effort. Let’s explore how you can make this delicious treat at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup (135g) sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (10g) flour
- 2 tsp (10g) vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (80ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) water
- 2 oz (60g) unsalted butter
- 2 tsp (10g) sugar
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- ¾ cup (95g) bread flour
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup (170g) butter, room temperature
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cream
- Heat the Milk: Pour 2 cups of milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 2 eggs, ⅔ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and 1 tbsp flour.
- Incorporate the Milk: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Cook the Mixture: Return the mixture to the heat and cook, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Choux Pastry
- Boil the Liquid Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine ⅓ cup milk, ⅓ cup water, 2 oz butter, 2 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the Flour: Add ¾ cup bread flour and mix until the dough is smooth.
- Cook the Dough: Return the dough to the heat and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cool and Add Eggs: Let the dough cool slightly, then add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Bake the Pastry Layers
- Prepare the Pans: Grease and line two 8-inch pans with parchment paper.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the choux pastry evenly between the two pans.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let the pastry layers cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup room temperature butter until creamy.
- Add the Vanilla Cream: Gradually incorporate the cooled vanilla cream into the butter, mixing until well combined.
- Layer the Pastry: Place one pastry layer in a cake ring lined with an acetate sheet. Spread the vanilla cream over the pastry, filling any gaps.
- Top with Second Layer: Place the second pastry layer on top.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Dust with Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
Conclusion
The Karpatka Cake is a delightful blend of light choux pastry and creamy vanilla filling, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its simplicity and elegance ensure that even novice bakers can achieve impressive results without much hassle. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious treat that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy your baking journey and the delightful taste of Karpatka Cake!