Description
This Milhojas Cake is a stunning homemade dessert with crisp, flaky puff pastry layers and a luscious vanilla cream filling. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for special occasions or a weekend baking project.
Ingredients
1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, for egg wash
1 tablespoon water
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold puff pastry sheets and cut each into three equal rectangles. Place on prepared sheet. Prick all over with a fork. Mix egg and water; brush over pastry. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream: In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Heat milk in a saucepan until simmering. Gradually whisk hot milk into yolk mixture. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill completely. Whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into chilled pastry cream.
3. Assemble the Cake: Place one pastry rectangle on a serving plate. Spread half of the cream over it. Add another pastry layer and repeat with remaining cream. Top with last pastry layer. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use cold ingredients for the cream. Ensure pastry is fully cooled before assembly. Assemble a few hours before serving to allow layers to soften slightly for easier slicing.
Store in refrigerator for up to two days; texture becomes cake-like as it softens. Do not reheat; enjoy cold. For clean slices, use a serrated knife and wipe between cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Latin American / Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: milhojas, cake, puff pastry, pastry cream, layered dessert