Looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and simple to prepare? This 5-minute homemade cake is the perfect answer. With a creamy custard filling, a light and flaky puff pastry base, and a rich cream topping, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it the ideal treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting guests or indulging in a sweet moment at home.
Ingredients
Custard Filling:
- 4 egg yolks
- 90g sugar
- 30g corn starch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 400ml milk
Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Cream Topping:
- 200ml heavy cream (at least 33% fat)
- 30g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Garnish:
- 15g chopped almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined and slightly pale in color.
- Add the corn starch and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.
- Bake the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Poke the pastry all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the surface of the puff pastry for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Whip the Cream Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence.
- With a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream until it achieves stiff peaks.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent it from turning into butter.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the puff pastry has cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread the cooled custard filling evenly over the bottom layer of the puff pastry.
- Place the top layer of the puff pastry over the custard.
- Generously spread the whipped cream over the top of the pastry.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.
- Slice and serve immediately, or chill for a short time to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
This quick and easy homemade cake is a delightful combination of creamy custard, flaky puff pastry, and rich whipped cream. The contrast of textures and the delicate sweetness make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of preparation, you can create a cake that melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy this treat that’s as simple as it is indulgent!