Indulge in the heavenly layers of our Kremówka Papieska, a dessert that transcends mere taste to touch the soul. Known affectionately as the Pope's Cream Cake, this Polish delicacy pairs flaky puff pastry with a luxurious vanilla custard cream, dusted with powdered sugar for a finish that's as divine as it is decadent.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding chilling)
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 8
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Sugar: 25 g
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets – 2 (450 grams or 1 pound)
- Whole milk – 500 ml (about 2 cups)
- Vanilla bean – 1 (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- Egg yolks – 6
- Granulated sugar – 150 g (3/4 cup)
- Cornstarch – 40 g (1/3 cup)
- Unsalted butter – 100 g (about 7 tablespoons)
- Powdered sugar – for dusting
Method of Preparation
- Prebake Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into two equal pieces. Prick with a fork, bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden, then cool.
- Make Custard: Heat milk and vanilla. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, then gradually add hot milk. Cook until thick, remove from heat, and stir in butter.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the custard on one pastry sheet, top with the second, and refrigerate until set.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Custard Consistency: Cook the custard over low heat to prevent curdling, stirring constantly.
- Chilling Time: Allow at least 4 hours in the refrigerator for the custard to set properly.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Kremówka a day ahead?
Yes, it's best made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
What if I don't have a vanilla bean?
Vanilla extract is a fine substitute; just add it after removing the custard from heat.
How can I prevent the puff pastry from puffing up too much?
Prick the pastry thoroughly with a fork and consider using pie weights during the initial baking.
Every bite of Kremówka Papieska is a testament to the art of dessert-making, a sweet symphony of texture and flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a quiet afternoon, this cake offers a taste of divine indulgence, inviting you to savor the moment and celebrate the joy of exquisite desserts. 🍰✨