Quick Puff Pastry Layered Cake with Caramel and Chocolate Ganache

This Quick Puff Pastry Layered Cake brings together delicate layers of flaky pastry, a rich caramel filling, and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate ganache for a dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly indulgent. Using a simple puff pastry base, this cake mimics the texture of traditional multi-layered desserts but with less preparation time. Each bite offers a delicious contrast of buttery pastry, sweet caramel, and creamy chocolate, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love this recipe because it provides all the indulgence of a classic layered dessert in a fraction of the time. The crisp, flaky pastry layers pair beautifully with the smooth and creamy caramel, while the ganache adds a decadent finish. Despite its elegant presentation, this cake is incredibly easy to assemble and perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert that still wows your guests. The flavors are rich and satisfying, but the lightness of the pastry keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Perfect Occasion:

This puff pastry layered cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want to serve a dessert that looks impressive without the need for hours in the kitchen. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it versatile enough for both casual family gatherings and more formal events. It can also be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for entertaining. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or an afternoon tea, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Decoration Tips:

For a polished, professional finish, make sure to spread the ganache smoothly over the top layer of pastry. Drizzle melted white chocolate in straight lines, and then gently drag a toothpick through the lines to create a marbled effect. Use crushed puff pastry scraps to coat the sides of the cake for added texture. You can also pipe decorative peaks of caramel along the edges to elevate the presentation. Serve the cake on a simple platter to allow the beautiful layers to stand out.

Ingredients for 8-Serving Layered Cake:

• 1 sheet quick puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 500 grams of firm caramel (dulce de leche)

Ganache Ingredients:

• 35 grams semi-sweet chocolate
• 40 grams heavy cream

Instructions for the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of 3-4 mm, shaping it into a rectangle, approximately 25×37 cm.
3. Place the pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, trimming the edges for clean, straight sides.
4. Cut the dough into four equal sections widthwise, each about 5 fingers wide. Slightly separate the pieces and prick the surface of the dough with a fork.
5. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the pastry and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, gently press down with a baking tray, and return to the oven for another 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Let the pastry layers cool completely.

Instructions for Ganache:

1. Heat the cream until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for 20 seconds.
2. Stir until the ganache is smooth and combined.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place a small amount of caramel on the serving plate to hold the cake in place.
2. Layer the first piece of puff pastry on the plate, followed by a thick layer of caramel. Repeat with the remaining pastry layers, ending with a pastry layer on top.
3. Spread the chocolate ganache over the top layer. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate and use a toothpick to create a marbled design.
4. Lightly coat the sides with caramel to help the puff pastry crumbs stick. (Use leftover pastry scraps, baked and crumbled, for this step.)
5. Pipe small caramel peaks around the edges of the cake for decoration.

Enjoy:

Chill the cake before serving to allow the flavors and textures to meld together. Enjoy each bite of the flaky layers with creamy caramel and rich chocolate, making this dessert a perfect sweet treat for any occasion!