Grandma’s Stunning Cream-Filled Cake

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!