Napoleon pastry with caramel cream and hazelnuts

Napolitan wafer cake with caramel cream and hazelnuts: a nostalgic recipe for the holidays

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Every year, as the holidays approach, we think of those sweets that remind us of childhood. The napolitan wafer cake with caramel cream and hazelnuts is one of those delights that, once tasted, will bring a smile to your face and precious memories. This recipe is so simple and quick that you can prepare it even at the last minute before a party. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed:

- 4 small napolitan wafers
- 250 g sugar
- 200 g butter
- 60 g flour
- 250 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Hazelnuts (about 100 g)

Ingredient details:

- Napolitan wafers: Choose high-quality wafers that are crispy, to withstand the cream's moisture well.
- Sugar: The sugar will be caramelized, so make sure to use white granulated sugar for a clean and shiny caramel.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to better control the salt level in the cake.
- Flour: The flour is essential for thickening the cream; make sure it is well sifted.
- Milk: You can use whole milk for a richer cream, but semi-skimmed milk will work well too.
- Hazelnuts: They add a crunchy texture and a delicious taste. You can use roasted hazelnuts for extra flavor.

Step by step:

1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, pour the 250 g of sugar and place it over moderate heat. Do not stir it, but swirl the pan to distribute the heat evenly. Wait until the sugar transforms into a golden caramel. Be careful, as if you leave it too long, it will become bitter. Once it has a nice hue, remove it from the heat and let it rest for two minutes.

2. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, mix the flour with half of the milk (125 ml). Use a whisk to avoid lumps. In the saucepan with the caramelized sugar, add the remaining milk and the butter cut into cubes. Place the saucepan back on the heat. Wait for the butter to melt completely, then incorporate the flour mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens enough (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Cooling the cream: Remove the cream from the heat and let it cool for 4-5 minutes. Then, add the rum essence and mix well with a wooden spoon. This flavor will add an extra touch to the cake.

4. Chopping the hazelnuts: With a knife, chop the hazelnuts as finely as possible. If you prefer, you can leave them a bit larger for a more pronounced texture.

5. Assembling the cake: Place the first napolitan wafer on a plate. Spread a layer of cream evenly on it, then sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts. Repeat the process with the other wafers, alternating between cream and hazelnuts, until you finish all 4 wafers. The last wafer should be plain, with no cream on top.

6. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential, as the napolitan wafers will soften, and the cake will become a true delight.

Practical tips:

- Chocolate version: You can add a layer of melted chocolate between the cream layers for an even more decadent taste.
- Other nuts: If you don't have hazelnuts on hand, you can use walnuts or almonds to vary the texture and flavor.
- Serving: Serve the cake cold, cut into squares. You can decorate each portion with a strip of chocolate or a whole hazelnut for a more sophisticated look.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use store-bought napolitan wafers?
Yes, store-bought napolitan wafers are perfect. Make sure they are fresh and crispy.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

3. Can I add fruits?
Yes, you can add slices of banana or strawberries between layers for a fresh touch.

Nutritional benefits:

This napolitan wafer cake contains sugar and fats from butter, so it's important to consume it in moderation. Hazelnuts add protein and healthy fats, being a good source of antioxidants and vitamins.

Calories:

One serving (about 100 g) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It's a dessert that can be considered indulgent, but it's worth every bite!

A personal note:

I fondly remember how, in my childhood, I helped my mother prepare this cake. We had fun mixing the cream and eagerly waiting to enjoy our creation. This is not just a recipe, but an emotional connection to the beautiful moments spent with family.

So, don’t hesitate! Prepare this napolitan wafer cake with caramel cream and hazelnuts and enjoy a delight that will tantalize your taste buds and bring back happy childhood memories!