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–+ servings
Polish Custard Cake

Decadent Polish Custard Cake that Will Melt Your Heart

This delightful Polish custard cake, known as Karpatka, melts in your mouth with its rich vanilla custard and flaky layers.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Polish
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry
  • 1 cup Water Boiling before adding flour
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour Avoid cake flour
  • 4 large Eggs Beaten
For the Custard Filling
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Creamy base
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Ideal sweetness
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickening agent
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Thickening agent
  • 4 large Egg Yolks Fresh for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract Adds depth of flavor
To Finish
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar For dusting before serving

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • electric mixer
  • 9-inch round pans
  • Parchment Paper
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare two 9-inch round pans by lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter, and salt; heat until boiling.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Let the dough cool for 5 minutes before adding the beaten eggs one at a time, mixing until glossy.
  5. Divide the dough between the prepared pans and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Custard Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, heat whole milk until warm.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, flour, and egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in warm milk.
  3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat while whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and let cool completely.
Assembly
  1. Beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Mix in cooled custard until smooth.
  2. Once pastry layers are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, spread custard, and top with the second layer.
  3. Chill the assembled cake for at least 2 hours.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and let the pastry cool properly before adding eggs.

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