Ultimate Lazy Napoleon Cake with Chocolate Cream and Cherries

Napoleon Cake with Choco Cream and Cherry

Ingredients

Pastry

Puff pastry dough - 750 grams (1.5 pounds)

Cream

Milk - 400 grams (14 ounces)
Egg yolk - 2
Cornstarch - 40 grams (1.5 ounces)
Sugar - 150 grams (5.5 ounces)
Butter - 150 grams (5.5 ounces), softened
Cocoa powder - 2 tablespoons
Vanillin - a pinch

Cherry Filling

Cherry - 300 grams (10.5 ounces)
Cornstarch - 1 teaspoon
Sugar to taste

Equipment

Oven:
Preheat to 180°C (350°F) for perfectly baked pastry layers. Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly to avoid under or over-baked pastry.
Rolling Pin:
Thaw and roll out that puff pastry to the perfect thickness. Use just enough flour to prevent sticking but not too much to avoid tough pastry.
Pastry Cutter or Form:
Get those circles just right! A 16 cm (6 inch) cutter ensures uniform layers that stack beautifully.
Parchment Paper:
A lifesaver for baking the pastry without sticking. It keeps your layers intact and easy to handle.
Saucepan:
The key to a smooth cream and cherry filling. Make sure it's medium-sized and has a thick bottom to prevent burning.
Mixing Bowls:
Essential for whipping up the cream to perfection. A set of different sizes will make your task easier.
Whisk and Spatula:
For whisking that cream to silky smoothness and folding ingredients without losing airiness.

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry dough and slightly roll it out on parchment.

Cut out circles using a convenient form (about 16 cm or 6 inches). Don't discard the trimmings.

Place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F).

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Bake 3 layers this way and crush the trimmings into crumbs.

Step 2

Make the Cream

Combine milk, egg yolks, sugar, and vanillin in a saucepan. Mix well.

Heat on medium, gradually adding cornstarch while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Add half of the softened butter to the cooled cream and whip.

Add the other half of the butter and whip until smooth and silky.

Step 3

Prepare the Cherry Filling

Place cherries in a saucepan, add sugar to taste, and simmer over low heat.

Dissolve cornstarch in 50 ml (1.7 ounces) of water. When the cherries start to boil, slowly add the cornstarch mixture.

Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.

Step 4

Assemble the Cake

Spread a layer of cream on one pastry layer.

Cover with the second pastry layer and spread more cream.

Add the cherry filling.

Repeat layers, assembling the entire cake.

Sprinkle with the crushed pastry crumbs.

Refrigerate for 6-7 hours to set and soak.

Servings

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a cozy blanket on the grass, and you, biting into a lush piece of **puff pastry cake**. 🌞 **Serving Suggestion 1:** Serve the cake chilled for a refreshing treat. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that **extra indulgence**. The cold, creamy ice cream combined with the buttery layers of the pastry is just **heavenly**. 🍨 **Serving Suggestion 2:** If it's a special occasion, why not go all out? Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a dusting of icing sugar, and perhaps a few extra cherries on top. It looks so **fancy** but is super easy to do! 🎉 **Serving Suggestion 3:** For a fun twist, serve petite slices paired with espresso or a robust black coffee. The richness of the cake complements the bitterness of the coffee, creating a **perfect balance**. ☕

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation: 🌾🚫 Use gluten-free puff pastry dough, which is now widely available in grocery stores. For the cream, ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. Vegan Variation: 🌿💖 Switch out the butter for a plant-based alternative, and replace the egg yolks with a vegan egg substitute. Use almond milk or any other plant milk for the cream. Also, make sure your puff pastry dough is free from butter and other animal products. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy a fully vegan puff pastry cake that's just as delicious! 😊

Faq

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before baking?
Yes, it's important to thaw the puff pastry before rolling it out to the desired thickness. This makes it easier to handle and ensures even baking.
Can I make the cream ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to whip it again slightly before using to restore its smooth texture.
How can I prevent the puff pastry from becoming too soggy?
Ensure that your pastry layers are fully baked and that the cream and cherry filling are cooled before assembling. Also, refrigerate the cake for the recommended time to allow it to set properly.
Can I use frozen cherries for the filling?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking them into the filling to avoid excess moisture.
How do I get the cream to be smooth and silky?
Make sure to whip the butter in two stages as suggested in the recipe. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth texture. Also, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just adjust the sugar and cornstarch accordingly to get the right consistency.