Dive into the world of baking with this timeless Mountain Cake (Karpatka) recipe, a cherished favorite for its distinctive layered texture and exquisite custard filling. Infused with vanilla and enveloped in a dusting of powdered sugar, each slice offers a taste of comfort and sophistication. Whether it's a family gathering or a personal treat, this cake promises to be the highlight of your weekend.
Why You'll Love This:
The Mountain Cake stands out with its unique puffed pastry layers, complemented by a rich, vanilla-flavored custard cream that's simply irresistible. Its comforting aroma and delightful taste bring back cherished memories and create new ones. Easy to prepare and universally adored, this dessert is a testament to the joy of homemade baking.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual weekend at home, a festive celebration, or a moment of indulgence with a cup of tea. Its elegant appearance and delicious taste make it a great choice for impressing guests or treating your loved ones to something special.
Decoration Tips:
Achieve a bakery-level presentation with a few simple touches. After chilling, dust the cake generously with powdered sugar for a snow-capped mountain effect. For an added burst of color and flavor, consider embedding fresh raspberries into the custard layer. Their tartness will complement the sweet, creamy filling beautifully.
Ingredients:
- Water: Pour 250ml into a pot, add 125g of butter, and heat until melted. Then, add about 160g of all-purpose flour, stirring vigorously until it forms a smooth dough. Let cool.
- Custard Cream: Boil 0.5 liters of milk with a pinch of vanilla or vanilla sugar. Mix 300ml of milk with 4 egg yolks, 100-120g of sugar, 50g of all-purpose flour, and 50g of cornstarch. When the milk boils, incorporate the mixture and stir vigorously until thickened. Cover with plastic wrap to cool.
Method:
- For the dough, transfer the cooled mixture to a mixing bowl, adding one egg at a time while mixing, for a total of 4 large eggs.
- Spread half of the dough onto a parchment-lined 24x24cm baking tray (available at local stores). Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
- For the cream, mix the cooled custard with approximately 180g of softened butter in a mixing bowl, beating for about 10 minutes until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for a firmer consistency.
- Assemble the cake by spreading the cream between the baked layers. Chill in the refrigerator. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and optionally decorate with fresh raspberries for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy this delightful Mountain Cake with your loved ones, a perfect blend of tradition and taste that's sure to make your weekend special. Enjoy!