This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cake is a delightful treat that combines simplicity, affordability, and decadence in every bite. With a soft, airy dough and a rich, creamy filling, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part? It’s incredibly easy and cheap to make, using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Prepare to indulge in a cake that’s light, fluffy, and deliciously creamy—all while staying budget-friendly.
History
This type of cake, often referred to as a choux pastry cake, has its origins in French patisserie. The choux dough, known for its versatility in making everything from cream puffs to éclairs, is celebrated for its light and airy texture. When paired with a rich, buttery cream, it creates a dessert that is both elegant and comforting. This recipe takes the classic choux concept and simplifies it, making it accessible to home bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 150g all-purpose flour (5.3 oz)
- 100ml water (3.4 fl oz)
- 100ml milk (3.4 fl oz)
- 80g unsalted butter (2.8 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Filling:
- 500ml milk (17 fl oz)
- 150g sugar (5.3 oz)
- 100g all-purpose flour (3.5 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 180g unsalted butter (6.3 oz)
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
- Melt the Butter: Begin by placing the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Set the heat to low and allow the butter to melt completely. Stir occasionally to prevent the butter from browning.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Once the butter has melted, add the milk, water, and salt to the saucepan. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from scorching.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Once the butter and milk mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the saucepan. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula to avoid lumps. The dough will start to come together, forming a smooth, cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the Dough: Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the dough to a mixing bowl. Allow the dough to cool for about 10 minutes, or until it is no longer hot to the touch. This cooling step is important to prevent the eggs from cooking when they are added.
- Add the Eggs: Once the dough has cooled, begin adding the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough may look like it’s separating at first, but continue mixing until it comes back together into a smooth, glossy batter. The final consistency should be thick but pipeable.
Baking the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). While the oven is heating, prepare a 25 cm (10-inch) round cake tin by lining it with parchment paper. This will help the cake layers release easily after baking.
- Bake the First Crust: Pour half of the dough into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a level surface. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed up. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes to prevent the dough from collapsing.
- Repeat for the Second Crust: Once the first crust is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Prepare the second half of the dough in the same manner, baking it until golden brown. Let both crusts cool completely before assembling the cake.
Making the Creamy Filling:
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Gradually add the flour, mixing well to ensure that no lumps remain. The mixture should be smooth and free of any clumps.
- Heat the Milk: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Thicken the Cream: Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cream to cool completely.
- Incorporate the Butter: Once the cream has cooled, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled cream to the butter, beating on low speed until fully combined and smooth. The result should be a rich, velvety cream that is easy to spread.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Place one of the cooled crusts on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the creamy filling over the crust, ensuring an even distribution all the way to the edges.
- Top with the Second Crust: Gently place the second crust on top of the creamy filling, pressing down lightly to secure the layers. If you have any remaining cream, you can use it to frost the sides of the cake or save it for another use.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and helps the cake set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Chilling and Serving:
- Garnish with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, remove the cake from the refrigerator and dust the top generously with powdered sugar. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also enhances the cake’s visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into portions and serve immediately. The cake is best enjoyed fresh, when the crusts are still slightly crisp, and the filling is cool and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon treat or a light dessert after a meal. For an added touch, consider serving it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 7g
Conclusion
This easy and affordable Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cake is a delightful combination of light, airy crusts and a rich, creamy filling that’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great option for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the delicate balance of flavors and textures that make this cake truly unforgettable!
