If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a delicious and impressive dessert, look no further than this recipe for Karpatka. This traditional Polish cake is a delightful combination of light, fluffy choux pastry layers and a creamy, vanilla custard filling. It’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. With its delicate flavor and beautiful presentation, Karpatka is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Karpatka
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup cornstarch
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for 5-10 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
7. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet into two rectangles, each about 9×13 inches in size. Smooth the tops with a spatula dipped in water.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
9. While the pastry is cooling, prepare the vanilla custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming but not boiling.
10. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
11. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the sugar mixture until smooth.
12. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard consistency.
13. Remove the custard from the heat and let it cool slightly.
14. To assemble the Karpatka, place one layer of the choux pastry on a serving platter. Spread the vanilla custard evenly over the pastry.
15. Carefully place the second layer of pastry on top of the custard.
16. Dust the top of the Karpatka with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
17. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set.
Karpatka is best enjoyed chilled, with a cup of tea or coffee. The contrast between the light, airy pastry and the creamy custard filling is simply divine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this Polish cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and indulge in a slice of Karpatka – a delightful taste of tradition and comfort.
