This cake recipe from Grandma is truly a masterpiece that has left everyone in awe. The combination of a light, airy dough and a rich, luscious cream filling creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Perfect for special occasions or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s walk through the steps to create this unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 120 g (4.2 oz) plain flour
- 80 g (2.8 oz) butter
- 100 ml (3.3 fl oz) water
- 100 ml (3.3 fl oz) milk
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Filling:
- 500 ml (2.1 cups) milk
- 160 g (5.6 oz) butter
- 150 g (5.3 oz) sugar
- 60 g (2.1 oz) starch (cornstarch)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
For Finishing:
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Making the Cream Filling
Whipping Up the Perfect Custard:
- Start the custard:
In a medium saucepan, crack 2 eggs and add 150 g of sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes light and smooth. - Incorporate cornstarch and milk:
Gradually add 60 g of cornstarch to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in 500 ml of milk, continuing to whisk until everything is well combined. - Cook the custard:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
Crafting the Dough Base:
- Combine liquids and butter:
In a separate saucepan, combine 100 ml of water, 100 ml of milk, a pinch of salt, and 80 g of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. - Add the flour:
Once the liquid mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually add 120 g of sifted plain flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Cook the dough for a few minutes to remove any raw flour taste. - Incorporate the eggs:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until you have a smooth, glossy dough.
Step 3: Assembling the Cake
Building Layers of Delight:
- Divide and bake the dough:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Divide the dough into equal portions and spread each portion into a thin layer on a baking sheet or into cake molds. Bake the dough until it turns golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Allow the layers to cool completely on a wire rack. - Prepare the filling:
Once the baked dough layers have cooled, whip 160 g of softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the cooled custard, continuing to whip until the mixture is light, smooth, and fully combined. - Assemble the cake:
Place one layer of the baked dough on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of the cream filling over it. Repeat the process, layering the dough and filling until all layers are assembled. Ensure the top layer is dough.
Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches
Unveiling the Perfect Cake:
- Refrigerate the cake:
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. - Finish with icing sugar:
Just before serving, remove the cake from the refrigerator and dust the top with a light coating of icing sugar for an elegant finish. - Serve and enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve it to your delighted guests. Watch as everyone enjoys the perfect combination of airy dough and rich, creamy filling.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: Approximately 10 slices
- Calories per serving: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 18 g
- Protein: 6 g
Conclusion
This Cream-Filled Cake is truly a stunning dessert that combines classic techniques with rich, comforting flavors. The light, airy dough pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy filling, creating a cake that’s both sophisticated and nostalgic. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a treat to share with loved ones, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy the process of making this beautiful cake and the joy it brings to those who taste it!