Craving a taste of France but short on time? This quick and delightful French cake recipe is perfect for you. Combining rich pastry cream, fluffy choux pastry, and creamy mascarpone, this cake comes together in just a few minutes, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 eggs
- 120 grams (4 oz) sugar
- 15 grams (0.5 oz) vanilla sugar
- 500 ml (17 oz) milk
- 60 grams (2 oz) cornstarch
For the Choux Pastry:
- 100 ml water
- 100 ml milk
- 80 grams butter
- 120 grams flour
- 4 eggs (add one at a time, you may not need all)
- 30 grams (1 oz) laminated almonds
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 250 grams (8.8 oz) mascarpone cream cheese
- Powdered sugar for decorating
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until well combined.
- Add the cornstarch and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually stream in the milk, continuously whisking to ensure a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Make the Choux Pastry:
- Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil.
- When the mixture reaches a boil, quickly add the flour in one go, stirring forcefully until it forms a ball and detaches from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Incorporate the eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each one until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Spoon the dough into a piping bag and pipe small heaps onto the lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with laminated almonds.
- Cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are puffed up and a rich golden brown. Let cool completely.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cream cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold the cooled pastry cream into the mascarpone until well combined.
- Slice the choux pastries in half and fill with the mascarpone mixture.
- Dust with powdered sugar for decoration.
Conclusion
This quick and delightful French cake is the perfect way to enjoy a sophisticated dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy pastry cream, light choux pastry, and rich mascarpone will transport your taste buds straight to a Parisian patisserie. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a little slice of France with this easy recipe.