Polish Cream Puff Cake (Karpatka) – A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Karpatka, also known as Polish Cream Puff Cake, is a light, airy, and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. With its crisp pastry layers and smooth vanilla custard filling, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Best of all, it’s simple to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy and budget-friendly recipe!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 150g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100ml (½ cup) water
• 100ml (½ cup) milk
• 80g (⅓ cup) butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Filling:

• 500ml (2 cups) milk
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 50g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a round baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, heat water, milk, and butter over medium heat until it boils.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the flour and baking powder, mixing vigorously until smooth.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
5. Spread the dough evenly in the baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Cream Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar over low heat until warm.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in softened butter until fully incorporated. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the baked dough is completely cool, carefully slice it in half to create two layers.
2. Spread the custard cream filling evenly over the bottom layer.
3. Place the second layer on top and dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Perfect Karpatka

• Ensure the dough is fully cooked before removing it from the oven to maintain its airy texture.
• Let the custard cool completely before assembling to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
• For added flavor, mix in a bit of lemon zest or almond extract into the custard.

Conclusion

Polish Cream Puff Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Its crispy layers and velvety custard filling make every bite irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet taste of Poland right in your own kitchen!

Have you made Karpatka before? Let us know your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below!