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
Scale
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
