Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of whisking yourself away to the sun-dappled hills of the Basque country, Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone is your delicious chance to do just that—right from your kitchen. This golden-brown beauty boasts a tender, buttery crust and a luscious filling of silky pastry cream or tangy cherry jam. With its lightly sweet layers and lovely crosshatch top, it’s the sort of cake that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time. Whether it’s your first taste or a nostalgic treat, this classic French dessert is bound to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliant thing about Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone is how a handful of pure, straightforward ingredients combine for a show-stopping result. Each element matters, contributing either richness, structure, flavor, or that golden color we all crave.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The base of our dough, flour provides hearty structure and that classic tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just enough lift for a gentle softness—no fluffiness, just right!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt wakes up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (10 tablespoons): The soul of the cake—richness, moisture, and a gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): To sweeten and add a delicate crisp edge to the baked dough.
- Large egg (1): Provides binding and a nice golden hue.
- Large egg yolks (2, divided): One yolk for the dough, and the other for brushing the top for a shiny, golden finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers soft warmth and that irresistible aroma.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a delicate hint of nutty flavor—sublime, but totally optional.
- Pastry cream or thick cherry jam (3/4 cup): The heart of the cake! Choose pastry cream for vanilla decadence or cherry jam for a sweet-tart twist.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a little flourish and extra sweetness for serving.
How to Make Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend is your cake’s foundation—the right balance leads to a crust that’s tender but sturdy enough to hold up to a creamy or jammy filling. It’s a small step, but it sets the stage for cake perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until they’re light, fluffy, and impossibly tempting. This aeration is key for a melt-in-your-mouth bite. Once creamed, add the whole egg and one of the yolks, ensuring it’s all fully blended. The aroma from the vanilla (and almond extract, if you’re using it) will already make your kitchen smell like a French bakery.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. You’re looking for a soft, slightly sticky dough—don’t overmix! Divide it into two equal balls, shape into disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easy to handle and enhancing its flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch springform pan. Roll out one dough disk and gently press it into the bottom and a little up the sides of the pan—think of it as cozying up your filling with a buttery hug. Spread that glorious pastry cream or cherry jam completely over the base, then roll out the second disk and lay it on top, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
Step 5: Add the Signature Crosshatch
Whisk your remaining egg yolk and brush it all over the cake’s surface. Next comes the iconic crosshatch: use a fork to carefully draw diagonal lines across the top, then repeat in the other direction. This little detail is what makes a Gateau Basque truly shine.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your assembled cake into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until it’s beautifully golden and the top feels set but still slightly soft. Let the cake cool fully in the pan—this makes it easy to unmold and slice into neat wedges. A dusting of powdered sugar at the end is optional, but oh-so-pretty.
How to Serve Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone
Garnishes
For classic French flair, dust your cooled Gateau Basque Cake with a fine layer of powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh berries or a little dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts, either—they brighten up the plate and add a festive touch.
Side Dishes
A slice of Gateau Basque is delightful all by itself, but for afternoon tea or dessert, consider pairing with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a tart cherry compote, or a strong espresso. These accents highlight the cake’s sweet, buttery flavor and complement either filling beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, slice Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone into elegant triangles and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. Or serve in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation—just adjust baking time accordingly and keep an eye on that golden top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone keeps wonderfully. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy cold or bring to room temp before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the whole cooled cake or individual slices in a double layer of plastic or foil, then tuck into a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, pop a slice onto a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave it gently, but the oven keeps the crust crisp. Dust with powdered sugar after warming for the most inviting presentation.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry cream or jam?
Absolutely! Store-bought pastry cream or a quality thick cherry jam both work beautifully and save you a little time. Just make sure your jam isn’t too runny, so the filling stays inside the cake layers.
Is Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone gluten free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten free. However, you can experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour blend—just note that textures may vary ever so slightly from the traditional.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone tastes even better the day after it’s baked. Just store it, covered, at cool room temp or in the fridge, and serve when you’re ready for applause.
What’s the difference between pastry cream and cherry jam fillings?
Pastry cream creates a rich, custardy center, while cherry jam is sweet-tart and fruity. Both are classic—choose based on your mood or the occasion. Feeling indecisive? Make two cakes and try both!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double the ingredients and use two pans or a single larger pan (adjusting baking time accordingly) if you’re serving a crowd. Everyone will thank you for making extra Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone—its tender crust, dreamy filling, and just-sweet-enough flavor are always met with delight. Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because, it’s the kind of treat that brings people together. Give it a try and savor your own little piece of Basque happiness!
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Gateau Basque Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Everyone Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Gateau Basque Cake recipe is a delightful French dessert that features a buttery, almond-scented crust filled with luscious pastry cream or cherry jam. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Filling:
- 3/4 cup pastry cream or thick cherry jam
Finishing:
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the whole egg and one egg yolk, beating until well combined. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together.
- Assembly: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan. Roll out one dough disk and press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Spread the pastry cream or cherry jam evenly over the dough. Roll out the second disk and place it on top, pressing the edges to seal. Whisk the remaining egg yolk and brush it over the top of the cake. Use the tines of a fork to create a crosshatch pattern on the surface.
- Baking: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Traditional Gateau Basque uses either a vanilla pastry cream or black cherry jam—both are authentic choices.
- The dough is similar to a cookie crust, so chilling is essential for easy handling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French (Basque Region)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
