Welcome to our article dedicated to the delicious Basque Cake! Today we are going to guide you step by step to make this incredible traditional pastry from the Basque Country. Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this essential dessert. Follow us to discover the secrets of its preparation and our tips for making it perfectly!
Preparing the pastry cream
The first essential step in making a delicious Basque Cake is the preparation of the pastry cream. This sweet, creamy mixture will bring a creamy texture and exquisite taste to your traditional dessert.
To begin, heat milk in a saucepan with a split and scraped vanilla pod. Leave to infuse for a few minutes so that the flavors fully develop.
Meanwhile, beat egg yolks with sugar until white and foamy. Then add sifted flour and cornstarch while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps.
Once the milk is hot, remove the vanilla pod and gradually pour it over the egg yolk/sugar/flour mixture while stirring constantly. Return everything to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil until the cream thickens.
Leave to cool before use so that your pastry cream is perfect for garnishing your Basque Cake!
Making the dough
When making the dough for the Basque cake, it is essential to follow the steps precisely. First, mix the flour and sugar in a bowl before adding butter cut into small pieces. Then, add a beaten egg to obtain a homogeneous texture.
The next step is to form a ball with the resulting dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so that the dough solidifies. Once this time has elapsed, take it out of the fridge and lower it onto your floured work surface.
Make sure the thickness is uniform to ensure perfect cooking. Then, use this dough to garnish the bottom and sides of a previously buttered mold before delicately pouring the cooled pastry cream into it.
The richness of the flavors is concentrated in this crucial step which will give all its character to the Basque cake: don’t neglect its preparation!
Assembling the cake
Now that the custard and dough are ready, let’s move on to the crucial step of assembling the Basque cake. Take part of the dough and spread it in the bottom of a buttered mold before adding a generous layer of cream.
Next, carefully cover the cream with the rest of your dough, making sure to seal the edges to prevent any leaks while cooking. You can even decorate the top with traditional designs or simply make a few slits to allow steam to escape.
Once your cake is assembled, carefully place it in the oven and let it cook until it is golden brown and the tempting smell fills your kitchen. Let it cool before unmolding and serve it warm or at room temperature for maximum taste bud pleasure!
Assembling the Basque cake requires a little patience but the end result is well worth the wait. So take your time, savor each step and prepare to delight your loved ones with this delicious culinary creation!
Cooking Tips
To obtain a perfectly cooked Basque cake, preheat your oven to the right temperature and carefully monitor the cooking. It is recommended to bake the cake at a moderate temperature to allow for even baking without burning the edges.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, check the texture of the cake by inserting a toothpick in the center: if it comes out clean, your Basque cake is ready! Let it cool before unmolding it and eating it.
By following these simple but essential tips, you are guaranteed to obtain a delicious homemade Basque cake that will delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to personalize this traditional recipe according to your tastes by adding, for example, black cherries or flaked almonds on top. Enjoy your food !
