Napoleon cake, also known as Mille-Feuille, is a classic pastry consisting of layers of puff pastry and creamy filling. It’s known for its crisp, flaky texture and rich, smooth cream. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious Napoleon cake at home:
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- Fresh fruit (like berries) for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into rectangles or squares, depending on your preferred size.
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Bake the Pastry: Place the pastry pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Filling:
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Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
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Whisk Egg Yolks: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are well combined.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg yolks, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
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Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Cake:
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Layer the Pastry and Cream: Place one layer of puff pastry on a serving plate. Spread a portion of the cream filling evenly over the pastry. Top with another layer of puff pastry, then another layer of cream. Repeat with additional layers until you have used up the pastry and cream, finishing with a layer of pastry on top.
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Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
4. Garnish and Serve:
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
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Optional Garnishes: You can garnish with fresh fruit or whipped cream if desired.
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Serve: Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your homemade Napoleon cake! It’s a delightful treat with layers of flaky pastry and creamy filling that’s perfect for special occasions or just because.
