famous Apple Napoleon cake

Apple Napoleon Cake

This Apple Napoleon Cake combines the classic flaky layers of Napoleon pastry with a sweet apple twist. The alternating layers of crispy puff pastry, spiced apples, and luscious custard cream make it a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Perfect for special occasions or as a show-stopping dessert, this cake is bound to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Custard Cream:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

• Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
• Cut the pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheets into rectangles about 12×4 inches (you should get 3 layers per cake).
• Bake the pastry: Transfer the cut pastry pieces to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

• Cook the apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
• Set aside: Once cooked, remove the apples from the heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Cream

• Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Set aside.
• Mix the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
• Combine the mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
• Add vanilla and butter: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let the custard cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

• Layer the puff pastry: Place one puff pastry rectangle on a serving plate.
• Add custard and apples: Spread a thin layer of the custard cream on top, followed by a layer of cooked apples.
• Repeat: Place another layer of puff pastry on top and repeat the custard and apple layers. Finish with the third puff pastry rectangle.
• Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Step 5: Chill the Cake

• Refrigerate the assembled cake: For at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Garnish with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Unique Twist on a Classic: The combination of Napoleon’s famous flaky pastry with the warmth of spiced apples makes this dessert a delightful and sophisticated treat.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This layered cake is impressive to look at and even better to eat, making it ideal for special occasions.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a touch of caramel between the layers for extra texture and flavor.

With its perfect blend of crisp, creamy, and fruity layers, this Apple Napoleon Cake is sure to become a favorite for any dessert lover. Enjoy the sweet and spiced apples paired with the richness of custard, all nestled between flaky pastry layers—a true delight!