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Delicious Napoleon Cake

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

This beloved Russian cake has eight crispy layers paired with vanilla cream and a topping of crushed pastry crumbs.
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Rose
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:21:14 GMT
A slice of crisp pastry dessert layered with creamy filling placed on a wooden platter. Pin it
A slice of crisp pastry dessert layered with creamy filling placed on a wooden platter. | tastybysophie.com

Napoleon Cake is a masterpiece of delicate pastry layers and rich cream filling that creates an unforgettable texture in every bite. Here are essential tips for crafting this classic dessert that has been perfected through years of traditional baking.

Essential Resting Time

Allow the assembled cake to rest overnight in the refrigerator. This crucial step lets the cream fully absorb into the pastry layers, developing a harmonious blend of flavors.

Consistent Layer Preparation

Roll each pastry layer to a uniform thickness using a measured guide. This attention to detail ensures even baking and a beautifully balanced final result.

Balanced Sweetness

Carefully calibrate the sweetness of the cream filling. The right balance highlights both the buttery pastry and rich cream components.

Advanced Preparation

This dessert improves with time, making it ideal for advance preparation. The flavors continue developing, perfect for special occasions.

A multi-layered cake with a crumbly topping sits on a cake stand, showcasing a slice that reveals its creamy filling and crispy layers. Pin it
A multi-layered cake with a crumbly topping sits on a cake stand, showcasing a slice that reveals its creamy filling and crispy layers. | tastybysophie.com

Chocolate Variation

Consider incorporating dark chocolate ganache between layers for an indulgent twist on the classic recipe.

Finishing Touches

Garnish with freshly whipped cream and a light honey drizzle to enhance both visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Alternative Ingredients

Quality gluten-free flour blends can be substituted successfully when needed. Select premium ingredients for optimal results.

Filling Variations

Experiment with mascarpone-based filling for a different textural experience while maintaining classic richness.

Decorative Elements

Garnish with seasonal edible flowers and candied citrus for an elegant presentation suitable for special occasions.

A layered pastry cake with a crispy top sits on a wooden cake stand, with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Pin it
A layered pastry cake with a crispy top sits on a wooden cake stand, with a light dusting of powdered sugar. | tastybysophie.com

Beverage Pairings

Serve alongside prosecco or dessert wine to complement the vanilla and butter notes in the pastry.

Layer Options

Traditional recipes feature multiple thin layers, but fewer layers create an equally delicious simplified version.

Cultural Heritage

This beloved dessert combines Russian baking tradition with French culinary influence, creating a truly international delicacy.

Crumb Technique

Create a polished finish by applying finely ground crumbs to the exterior, adding professional refinement and textural contrast.

Pastry Handling

Utilize parchment paper when rolling and transferring dough layers to maintain shape and prevent tearing.

A slice of layered cake with creamy filling and crumbly topping is placed on a rustic wooden plate. Pin it
A slice of layered cake with creamy filling and crumbly topping is placed on a rustic wooden plate. | tastybysophie.com

Fruit Enhancement

Spread a thin layer of quality fruit preserves between pastry layers to introduce bright flavor notes.

Decorative Finish

Reserve pastry scraps to create intricate designs for the top, adding visual interest to the final presentation.

Ingredient Preparation

Ensure all ingredients reach room temperature before beginning. This promotes smooth dough formation and proper cream consistency.

Serving Guidelines

Let cake stand at room temperature briefly before serving to maximize flavor development and achieve ideal texture.

Storage Methods

Store completed cake in refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

A layered cake with crumb topping is displayed on a cake stand, showcasing a slice removed to reveal its creamy interior. Pin it
A layered cake with crumb topping is displayed on a cake stand, showcasing a slice removed to reveal its creamy interior. | tastybysophie.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this cake be prepped in advance?
Sure! You can chill the pastry dough for several days, and the finished cake should chill for at least 3 hours to set.
→ Why is it important to chill the dough?
Cold dough makes the butter firm up, giving you flakier layers in the end. It’s also much simpler to handle.
→ What does tempering eggs mean?
It’s when you slowly mix hot milk into the eggs to stop them from turning into scrambled pieces, so the cream stays smooth and silky.
→ How long will this dessert last?
It’s best kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Over time, the layers will soften nicely.
→ Can this cake be frozen?
Freezing isn’t ideal since it can mess up the texture of the pastry and cream.

Flaky Layer Cake

An iconic treat from Russia with delicate layers of crispy pastry and creamy vanilla filling.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
180 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Russian

Yield: 12 Servings (1 8-inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 and a half cups of plain flour.
02 A tiny dash of salt.
03 3 and a half sticks of chilled unsalted butter, diced.
04 2 eggs, large size.
05 Three-quarters of a cup of icy water.
06 1 and a half tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
07 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste.
08 6 egg yolks, big ones.
09 1 cup of plain white sugar.
10 Two-thirds of a cup of all-purpose flour.
11 4 cups of whole milk, split into parts.
12 1 cup of unsalted butter.
13 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste.

Instructions

Step 01

Toss flour, salt, and butter into a food processor and blend until it looks like crumbs. Add in the eggs, icy water, vinegar, and vanilla paste, and mix until everything just comes together.

Step 02

Split the dough into eight parts, press into flat discs, wrap them up, and refrigerate for about 2-3 hours.

Step 03

Roll each disc into a thin circle. Trim it down to an 8-inch size, poke a fork over it, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Step 04

Take egg yolks, sugar, flour, and a bit of the milk and whisk them well. Heat the rest of the milk, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture to warm it up. Cook until the consistency thickens.

Step 05

Mix in the butter and vanilla once warmed milk is thickened. Give it time to cool completely.

Step 06

Stack the baked circles with layers of cream between them. Smother the top and sides with more cream and sprinkle crushed crumb bits over everything.

Step 07

Chill your cake in the fridge for at least three hours or even overnight for everything to soak and settle.

Notes

  1. You can prep the dough ahead and chill it.
  2. Leftover pastry scraps are great for crumb topping.
  3. Don’t rush—it needs time in the fridge to let the layers soften evenly.

Tools You'll Need

  • A food processor.
  • Rolling pin.
  • A mold or template for an 8-inch circle.
  • Baking trays.
  • A cooking pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (milk, butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 776
  • Total Fat: 49 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
  • Protein: 14 g