Description
This Easy Napoleon Cake Layers Recipe is a classic dessert idea that features flaky puff pastry layers filled with a rich custard, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
4 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
6 egg yolks
½ cup cornstarch or flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup butter
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar or pastry crumbs for topping
Optional: cocoa powder
berries
or jam for variations
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Cut the pastry into equal rectangles and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- In a saucepan, combine whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat until it simmers.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch (or flour) together until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, then return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the cake by layering the baked pastry with the custard filling, finishing with a layer of pastry on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or pastry crumbs and add any optional toppings.
Notes
For added flavor, consider infusing the milk with orange zest or espresso. You can also customize the layers with cocoa powder, berries, or jam.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: Napoleon cake, easy dessert recipe, classic dessert, puff pastry cake, custard layers