Fruit cream cake

Fruit Cream Puff - An Irresistible Delicacy

There are few desserts that rival the softness and elegance of a fruit cream puff. This cake, with layers of puff pastry, fine vanilla cream, and fresh fruit, not only combines textures and flavors but also evokes pleasant childhood memories. Whether served at a celebration or simply as a special treat, this cream puff is sure to impress!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Required ingredients

- 2 sheets of puff pastry (or ready-made puff pastry for cream puffs)
- 1.5 kg milk
- 8 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 250 g brown sugar
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla extract (or powdered vanilla, to taste)
- Fresh fruits: apricots, peaches, raspberries, grapes (or other seasonal fruits)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the puff pastry

Start by preheating the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. If using frozen puff pastry sheets, ensure they are thawed according to the package instructions. Place the first sheet of pastry in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and pierce it lightly with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.

2. Baking the pastry

Place the tray in the oven and bake the puff pastry sheet for 20 minutes, until it turns golden and crispy. Check occasionally, as baking time may vary slightly depending on the oven.

3. Preparing the vanilla cream

In a large pot, add the milk and place it over medium heat. Add the vanilla extract and let it heat up, but do not let it boil. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, add the sugar, and mix until the mixture is smooth. Incorporate the cornstarch and one cup of the warm milk, stirring gently to avoid lumps.

4. Thickening the cream

Pour the egg mixture into the hot milk, stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent the eggs from curdling. Cook the cream over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes thick and velvety. Once ready, let it cool.

5. Preparing the fruits

Meanwhile, wash and cut the fruits into larger or smaller pieces, according to your preferences. Keep in mind that the larger the fruits, the harder it will be to cut the cake later, but the taste will be just as delicious!

6. Assembling the cream puff

Once the pastry has cooled, crumble it lightly. In a tray, add a layer of crumbled pastry, then pour the vanilla cream over it, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Next, add the fresh fruits, and finally, cover with the remaining crumbled puff pastry.

7. Finishing and cooling

Lightly dust with powdered sugar and refrigerate the cake for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This will allow the flavors to combine perfectly, and the cream puff will be easier to cut.

Suggestions and variations

For an even more intense flavor, you can add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the vanilla cream. You can also try varying the fruits depending on the season; berries, melon, or even bananas can prove to be surprising additions.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake is a true delight, but like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation. One serving contains approximately 300 calories, but it is rich in protein due to the eggs, as well as calcium from the milk. The fruits provide an important supply of vitamins and fiber, making this cream puff a delicious and relatively healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of pastry?
Yes, you can experiment with homemade puff pastry or even crushed cookies for a crunchier base.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
I recommend storing it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to prevent drying out.

3. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
A cup of flavored coffee or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, a semi-dry white wine can be a surprising choice!

The fruit cream puff is more than just a simple cake; it is a culinary experience meant to bring joy and unforgettable moments. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy!