Description
This enchanting cake, named for its resemblance to the rugged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, is a delightful combination of puff pastry and sumptuous vanilla cream.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
For the Cream:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
Dough Preparation:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Then, incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next.
- Divide and spread the dough on a baking sheet into two equal rectangles.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown, and then let cool completely.
Cream Preparation:
- Heat milk with sugar and vanilla in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- In a separate bowl, blend cornstarch, flour, and egg yolks. Gradually whisk in some of the hot milk mixture to temper, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter until smooth. Let the mixture cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Spread the chilled cream over one layer of the cooled dough, then carefully place the second layer on top. For a finishing touch, dust with powdered sugar.