Ingredients

For the Dough

160 milliliters (0.7 cups) ice water
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons vinegar (6%-9%, preferably apple)
480-500 grams (4-4.5 cups) all-purpose flour
280 grams (1.25 cups) unsalted butter

For the Cream Filling

1 liter (4.2 cups) milk
300 grams (1.5 cups) sugar
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Vanilla extract (to taste)
2 egg yolks
300 grams (1.3 cups) unsalted butter
100 grams (0.5 cups) sweetened condensed milk
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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, ice water, and vinegar. Mix them until well blended.

Next, take the cold unsalted butter and grate it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Combine this mixture with the egg blend.

Be careful not to knead the dough too much; simply gather it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but for better results, you can store it for up to 2 days.

Step 2

Roll and Bake the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, divide it into 10 equal portions. You can use any scraps to create additional small balls.

Roll each portion out as thin as possible, ideally to a diameter of 25-26 centimeters (10-10.5 inches). Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake each layer for 5-6 minutes or until golden, watching them closely in your oven.

Step 3

Prepare the Cream Filling

In a saucepan, heat 1 liter (4.2 cups) of milk with 300 grams (1.5 cups) of sugar. Add in 5 tablespoons of flour and 2 egg yolks, stirring continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 300 grams (1.3 cups) of softened butter and 100 grams (0.5 cups) of sweetened condensed milk until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the cooled custard into this mixture, ensuring it is well blended and creamy.

Step 4

Assemble the Cake

To assemble your Napoleon cake, layer the baked dough sheets with a generous amount of cream filling between them. Continue until all layers are stacked.

Use any leftover crumbs from the dough to sprinkle on top for decoration. Once assembled, place the cake in the fridge for 4-5 hours (if you can resist eating it right away!) to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

Serve and Enjoy

After chilling, slice the cake and serve it chilled. Enjoy the delicious layers of pastry and cream that will have everyone coming back for more!

Servings

When it comes to serving your **Napoleon cake**, think beyond the basic slice! 🍰💖 Imagine pairing it with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a **burst of color and flavor**. Alternatively, a **scoop of vanilla ice cream** alongside can take this dessert experience up a notch! For a more elegant touch, **dust with powdered sugar** or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving. If you want to impress your guests even more, why not add a side of whipped cream? Finally, remember that this cake is a showstopper on its own! Serve it on a beautiful platter, and watch your friends and family enjoy each decadent layer. Enjoy every delightful bite! 😋✨

Equipment

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Precision is key in baking! Make sure to have a reliable set of measuring tools to get your ingredient ratios just right.

We recommend:
Baking Sheets

Invest in non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheets to ensure your pastry layers bake evenly and come out effortlessly.

We recommend:

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free Napoleon, try substituting regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your flour blend is suitable for baking to ensure the texture remains light and fluffy. 🍞🚫 Vegan Variation: To make this cake vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp of flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp of water for each egg). For the cream, use a coconut cream and coconut milk mixture instead of dairy. 🌱🥥 Get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on this classic cake!

Faq

  • What if my pastry layers are too thick?

    If your layers are thick, simply roll them out thinner next time. The key to a beautiful Napoleon cake is delicate and flaky layers.

  • How can I make my custard cream thicker?

    To achieve a thicker custard cream, cook it longer while whisking continuously, or add a bit more flour to the mixture during cooking.

  • Can I store my Napoleon cake overnight?

    Yes! Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

  • What’s the best way to reheat the layers if they get soggy?

    The best method is to re-crisp them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until they regain their original texture.

  • Can I freeze the layers ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Just make sure they are well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container.

  • What is the best way to cut the Napoleon cake neatly?

    Use a sharp knife and slice with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the layers. A warm knife will help to get a clean cut!

Nutrition facts

Delicious Napoleon Cake Recipe for Everyone
Recipe Yield:10 servings
Calories:Estimated calorie range per serving.
Calories (Min - Max):350 - 450
Total Fat:20g
Saturated Fat:12g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:40g
Total Sugars:15g