Preparing a no-bake Napoleon cake step by step
1. Prepare homemade cake cream
This is what will transform your cookies into creamy millefeuille.
- In a saucepan , beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla sugar .
- Stir in the flour and cornstarch . Mix well to avoid lumps.
- Heat the milk in another pot until it boils.
- Pour the hot milk into the previous mixture in a stream , whisking constantly.
- Pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly , until the cream thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove the butter from the heat and cut it into pieces . Stir until completely melted.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate if you prepare the cream in advance.
The cream should be smooth, shiny, and opaque. A moist cake is key to success.
2. Fold the dough like a millefeuille
- Line a square or round (20 cm) baking tin with baking paper or use a baking frame.
- Place the first layer of biscuits .
- Spread a thin layer of pudding , smoothing with a spatula.
- Repeat the cake + cream layers until you run out, finishing with a cream layer .
- Crumble a few cookies on top for decoration.
3. Let him rest… and wait
Cover the dough with cling film when in contact.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours , but preferably overnight . This resting time is crucial for the cookies to absorb the cream and begin to melt.
4. Demoulding and presentation
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan or circle.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar , chocolate shavings or caramelized cookie crumbs .
- Cut into square or triangular portions and serve chilled .
Delicious variations to try
With fresh fruit
Add a thin layer of strawberries, raspberries, or pears between the layers of cream for a more fruity effect.
Chocolate version
Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder with cream or sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings .
Napoleon Coffee Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of hot coffee soluble in milk to make a coffee-flavored pudding.
Suggested accompaniments
The Napoleon cake is enough on its own, but you can combine it with:
- Butter and caramel sauce
- Red fruit coulis
- A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
- A glass of sparkling wine , champagne, or even smoked tea
