Basque Cake

Recipe View To Make the Pastry Cream Filling (Prep time: 15 minutes / Cook time: 10 minutes): In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat.

Recipe View In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Beat in the 2 eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.

Recipe View Gradually whisk 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper it. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Return to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Recipe View Remove from heat and transfer the pastry cream to a bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Recipe View Prepare the Cake (Prep time: 20 minutes): Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/8 cups of all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.

Recipe View In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/8 cup of granulated sugar and 3 eggs using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Recipe View Gradually fold in the sifted flour mixture in three additions, being careful not to overmix. Mix until just combined after each addition.

Recipe View Assemble and Bake (Assembly time: 10 minutes / Bake time: 30-40 minutes): Divide the cake dough in half. Gently press half of the dough into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.

Recipe View Spoon the cooled pastry cream over the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edge.

Recipe View Carefully spread the remaining cake dough over the pastry cream, making sure to enclose the filling completely. You may find it easier to drop spoonfuls of dough over the filling and gently spread them together.

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Recipe View Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before releasing the springform and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.