Carpathian Polish Cake

Polish Karpaten Cake – A delicacy that will indulge your senses

If you are looking for a quick and absolutely delicious dessert, the Polish Karpaten cake is the perfect choice. This vanilla cream cake, also known as pudding, perfectly combines a soft dough with a creamy filling, offering you a unique culinary experience. Discovered by chance, this recipe quickly became a favorite among dessert lovers. I invite you to join me on this culinary adventure, where every step counts to achieve a perfect result.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (30 minutes baking + 5 hours cooling)
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 1 cup (200 ml) water
- 125 g butter
- 250 g flour
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the cream:
- 700 ml milk
- 175 g sugar
- 1 packet (powder) of vanilla pudding (approx. 125 g)
- 125 ml milk (for pudding)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 25 g butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk

Preparing the dough:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 220°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

2. In a medium pot, add the butter and water. Place everything on low heat and let it boil. This step is essential as the butter must completely melt before adding the flour.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little water until you obtain a creamy mixture. Gradually add this mixture to the pot with water and butter, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. It is important to be patient and mix well so that the dough is homogeneous.

4. Once you have obtained a uniform mixture, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the baking powder. If necessary, use a mixer to achieve a fine and airy texture.

5. Choose a round cake pan (approximately 28 cm in diameter) and grease it with butter. Divide the dough into two equal parts. The first half will be spread evenly on the bottom of the pan.

6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the dough turns golden. Once ready, let it cool for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a platter.

7. Wash the pan and dry it well, then grease it again with butter and repeat the process with the second half of the dough.

Preparing the cream:

1. In a pot, add 700 ml of milk and sugar. Place on low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.

2. In another bowl, mix the pudding powder with 125 ml of milk and one tablespoon of flour. This mixture will help achieve a smooth and consistent cream.

3. Add the pudding mixture to the pot with milk and sugar, stirring continuously. Then, add the egg yolk and continue to stir until the pudding forms. It is important not to stop stirring to avoid lumps.

4. Once the cream is obtained, remove it from the heat and let it cool. After it has completely cooled, incorporate the butter and mix well until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.

5. Let the cream cool for at least 5 hours in the refrigerator. This step is crucial, as the pudding will set and have a perfect texture.

Assembling the cake:

1. After the cream has cooled, carefully remove the sides of the cake pan. Transfer the cake to a platter.

2. Decorate the cake with powdered sugar and grated chocolate. This detail will not only add an attractive look but also a delicious taste.

3. Cut the cake into slices and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. This combination is perfect for highlighting the flavors of the Karpaten cake.

Tips and useful advice:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add vanilla essence or a bit of rum to the pudding cream.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it will be just as delicious the next day.
- You can experiment with the filling by adding fresh fruits or jam between the layers of dough for a fruitier version.

Nutritional benefits:

With a moderate calorie content, the Karpaten cake provides carbohydrates from flour and sugar, as well as protein from eggs, making it a delicious choice for a snack. Additionally, the vanilla cream adds a boost of calcium from milk. Although it is a dessert, its taste improves your mood and brings joy during moments of indulgence.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of milk?
- Yes, you can use plant-based milk to make the recipe more vegan-friendly.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and dough for a less sweet version.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to decorate it with powdered sugar before freezing.

I encourage you to try this simple yet impressive recipe and share the result with your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with family or friends, the Polish Karpaten cake will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!