Layered Cream Cake with Vanilla Custard, Sour Cream Filling, and Buttery Pastry Crust
This stunning layered cream cake is the perfect showstopper for any celebration or special occasion. With a combination of soft pastry layers, smooth vanilla custard, a tangy sour cream filling, and a buttery crust, this dessert delivers indulgent flavor and elegant texture in every bite. It’s the kind of cake that requires care and time—but the result is truly worth the effort. If you love classic European desserts with rich layers and creamy fillings, this cake is guaranteed to impress both in taste and presentation.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European/French fusion pastry
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Cream Layer:
2 large eggs
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
70 grams (1/2 cup) cornstarch
500 grams (2 cups) whole milk
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
For the Choux Pastry Discs:
180 grams (3/4 cup) water
90 grams (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
130 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
3–4 large eggs (depending on size and dough consistency)
For the Sour Cream Layer:
500 grams (2 cups) sour cream
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or any flavoring
2 large eggs
50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter
For the Pastry Crust Layers:
250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
70 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
150 grams (2/3 cup) cold butter, cubed
For Decoration (Optional):
Melted white chocolate
Fresh berries or edible flowers
Toasted almond flakes
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Vanilla Custard Cream
This rich vanilla custard provides the creamy, luxurious texture that binds the cake together.
In a saucepan, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar until light.
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
Stir in the cornstarch until fully combined.
Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid clumps.
Heat the mixture over medium, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling slightly.
Remove from heat, add the vanilla and butter, and whisk until smooth. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Choux Pastry Discs
Choux pastry offers a light, airy layer that adds structure and contrast.
Bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms and pulls away from the pot.
Cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and shiny. The dough should be pipeable but not runny.
Pipe or spread into 18 cm rounds on parchment paper. You’ll need at least 3 discs.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer
This tangy layer balances the sweetness with depth and richness.
In a saucepan, combine sour cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and eggs.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened like a custard.
Stir in butter until smooth and set aside to cool.
4. Make the Pastry Crust Layers
These buttery, crumbly layers provide texture and structure.
Mix flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
Knead lightly and divide into two portions. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll each portion into a thin 18 cm disc.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
5. Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part—layering!
Start with a pastry crust base.
Spread a layer of vanilla custard.
Place a choux disc, then add sour cream filling.
Alternate layers of choux and cream fillings until finished.
Top with the final pastry crust
Cover the cake and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
6. Decorate and Serve
Decorate with melted white chocolate, berries, or almond flakes. Slice gently and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Calories: ~380
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 1g
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from Eastern European cream cakes like the Russian “Napoleon” and the French mille-feuille. Choux pastry is a classic element in French baking, while sour cream custards and rich fillings are beloved across Central and Eastern Europe. This cake is a fusion of culinary traditions, combining the elegant lightness of French patisserie with the hearty creaminess of Eastern Europe. It’s often prepared for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, where its layers symbolize abundance and care.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beautiful presentation: Layers of golden pastry and creamy filling make for a stunning cake.
Balanced sweetness: Not too sugary—just right for mature palates.
Textural variety: Creamy, crispy, airy, and crumbly all in one bite.
Customizable: Add flavors, decorations, or alternative fillings.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepares well the night before serving.
Special occasion ready: Perfect centerpiece for any celebration.Health Benefits
While an indulgent treat, this cake offers modest benefits:
Eggs provide high-quality protein.
Sour cream and milk contribute calcium and probiotics.
Butter in moderation offers fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Homemade versions avoid artificial additives often found in store-bought cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
Add fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries on the side.
Pair with a simple coulis (berry or caramel) for a plated dessert.
Great for afternoon tea, birthday gatherings, or festive holidays.
Cooking Tips
Let each layer cool fully before assembly to avoid melting or collapsing.
Whisk continuously when making custard or cream to avoid curdling.
Chill the cake long enough—overnight is best.
Use good-quality vanilla for rich flavor.
If using homemade sour cream, strain if watery to avoid a runny filling.
Variations to Try
Chocolate version: Add cocoa to one pastry layer and chocolate chips to the cream.
Lemon zest and blueberry: For a refreshing spring twist.
Nut crust base: Mix ground almonds or hazelnuts into the pastry crust.
Coconut-cream filling: RepLayered Cream Cake with Vanilla Custard, Sour Cream Filling, and Buttery Pastry Crust
This stunning layered cream cake is the perfect showstopper for any celebration or special occasion. With a combination of soft pastry layers, smooth vanilla custard, a tangy sour cream filling, and a buttery crust, this dessert delivers indulgent flavor and elegant texture in every bite. It’s the kind of cake that requires care and time—but the result is truly worth the effort. If you love classic European desserts with rich layers and creamy fillings, this cake is guaranteed to impress both in taste and presentation.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European/French fusion pastry
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Cream Layer:
2 large eggs
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
70 grams (1/2 cup) cornstarch
500 grams (2 cups) whole milk
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
For the Choux Pastry Discs:
180 grams (3/4 cup) water
90 grams (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
130 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
3–4 large eggs (depending on size and dough consistency)
For the Sour Cream Layer:
500 grams (2 cups) sour cream
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or any flavoring
2 large eggs
50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter
For the Pastry Crust Layers:
250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
70 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
150 grams (2/3 cup) cold butter, cubed
For Decoration (Optional):
Melted white chocolate
Fresh berries or edible flowers
Toasted almond flakes
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Vanilla Custard Cream
This rich vanilla custard provides the creamy, luxurious texture that binds the cake together.
In a saucepan, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar until light.
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
Stir in the cornstarch until fully combined.
Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid clumps.
Heat the mixture over medium, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling slightly.
Remove from heat, add the vanilla and butter, and whisk until smooth. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Choux Pastry Discs
Choux pastry offers a light, airy layer that adds structure and contrast.
Bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms and pulls away from the pot.
Cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and shiny. The dough should be pipeable but not runny.
Pipe or spread into 18 cm rounds on parchment paper. You’ll need at least 3 discs.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer
This tangy layer balances the sweetness with depth and richness.
In a saucepan, combine sour cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and eggs.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened like a custard.
Stir in butter until smooth and set aside to cool.
4. Make the Pastry Crust Layers
These buttery, crumbly layers provide texture and structure.
Mix flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
Knead lightly and divide into two portions. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll each portion into a thin 18 cm disc.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
5. Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part—layering!
Start with a pastry crust base.
Spread a layer of vanilla custard.
Place a choux disc, then add sour cream filling.
Alternate layers of choux and cream fillings until finished.
Top with the final pastry crust
Cover the cake and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
6. Decorate and Serve
Decorate with melted white chocolate, berries, or almond flakes. Slice gently and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Calories: ~380
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 1g
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from Eastern European cream cakes like the Russian “Napoleon” and the French mille-feuille. Choux pastry is a classic element in French baking, while sour cream custards and rich fillings are beloved across Central and Eastern Europe. This cake is a fusion of culinary traditions, combining the elegant lightness of French patisserie with the hearty creaminess of Eastern Europe. It’s often prepared for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, where its layers symbolize abundance and care.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beautiful presentation: Layers of golden pastry and creamy filling make for a stunning cake.
Balanced sweetness: Not too sugary—just right for mature palates.
Textural variety: Creamy, crispy, airy, and crumbly all in one bite.
Customizable: Add flavors, decorations, or alternative fillings.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepares well the night before serving.
Special occasion ready: Perfect centerpiece for any celebration.Health Benefits
While an indulgent treat, this cake offers modest benefits:
Eggs provide high-quality protein.
Sour cream and milk contribute calcium and probiotics.
Butter in moderation offers fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Homemade versions avoid artificial additives often found in store-bought cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
Add fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries on the side.
Pair with a simple coulis (berry or caramel) for a plated dessert.
Great for afternoon tea, birthday gatherings, or festive holidays.
Cooking Tips
Let each layer cool fully before assembly to avoid melting or collapsing.
Whisk continuously when making custard or cream to avoid curdling.
Chill the cake long enough—overnight is best.
Use good-quality vanilla for rich flavor.
If using homemade sour cream, strain if watery to avoid a runny filling.
Variations to Try
Chocolate version: Add cocoa to one pastry layer and chocolate chips to the cream.
Lemon zest and bLayered Cream Cake with Vanilla Custard, Sour Cream Filling, and Buttery Pastry Crust
This stunning layered cream cake is the perfect showstopper for any celebration or special occasion. With a combination of soft pastry layers, smooth vanilla custard, a tangy sour cream filling, and a buttery crust, this dessert delivers indulgent flavor and elegant texture in every bite. It’s the kind of cake that requires care and time—but the result is truly worth the effort. If you love classic European desserts with rich layers and creamy fillings, this cake is guaranteed to impress both in taste and presentation.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European/French fusion pastry
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Cream Layer:
2 large eggs
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
70 grams (1/2 cup) cornstarch
500 grams (2 cups) whole milk
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
50 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
For the Choux Pastry Discs:
180 grams (3/4 cup) water
90 grams (1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
130 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
3–4 large eggs (depending on size and dough consistency)
For the Sour Cream Layer:
500 grams (2 cups) sour cream
150 grams (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
8 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar or any flavoring
2 large eggs
50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter
For the Pastry Crust Layers:
250 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
70 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
150 grams (2/3 cup) cold butter, cubed
For Decoration (Optional):
Melted white chocolate
Fresh berries or edible flowers
Toasted almond flakes
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Vanilla Custard Cream
This rich vanilla custard provides the creamy, luxurious texture that binds the cake together.
In a saucepan, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar until light.
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
RAPID TEETH WHITENING in 1 Minute: Does It Work?
Stir in the cornstarch until fully combined.
Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid clumps.
Heat the mixture over medium, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling slightly.
Remove from heat, add the vanilla and butter, and whisk until smooth. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Choux Pastry Discs
Choux pastry offers a light, airy layer that adds structure and contrast.
Bring the water, butter, salt, and sugar to a boil.
Remove from heat and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the dough forms and pulls away from the pot.
Cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and shiny. The dough should be pipeable but not runny.
Pipe or spread into 18 cm rounds on parchment paper. You’ll need at least 3 discs.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Sour Cream Layer
This tangy layer balances the sweetness with depth and richness.
In a saucepan, combine sour cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and eggs.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened like a custard.
Stir in butter until smooth and set aside to cool.
4. Make the Pastry Crust Layers
These buttery, crumbly layers provide texture and structure.
Mix flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
Knead lightly and divide into two portions. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll each portion into a thin 18 cm disc.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
5. Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part—layering!
Start with a pastry crust base.
Spread a layer of vanilla custard.
Place a choux disc, then add sour cream filling.
Alternate layers of choux and cream fillings until finished.
Top with the final pastry crust
Cover the cake and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
6. Decorate and Serve
Decorate with melted white chocolate, berries, or almond flakes. Slice gently and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Calories: ~380
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 1g
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
My fastest oatmeal bread for a healthy breakfast! No flour No butter! Easy gluten free
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 180mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from Eastern European cream cakes like the Russian “Napoleon” and the French mille-feuille. Choux pastry is a classic element in French baking, while sour cream custards and rich fillings are beloved across Central and Eastern Europe. This cake is a fusion of culinary traditions, combining the elegant lightness of French patisserie with the hearty creaminess of Eastern Europe. It’s often prepared for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations, where its layers symbolize abundance and care.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beautiful presentation: Layers of golden pastry and creamy filling make for a stunning cake.
Balanced sweetness: Not too sugary—just right for mature palates.
Textural variety: Creamy, crispy, airy, and crumbly all in one bite.
Customizable: Add flavors, decorations, or alternative fillings.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepares well the night before serving.
Special occasion ready: Perfect centerpiece for any celebration.Health Benefits
While an indulgent treat, this cake offers modest benefits:
Eggs provide high-quality protein.
Sour cream and milk contribute calcium and probiotics.
Butter in moderation offers fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Homemade versions avoid artificial additives often found in store-bought cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine.
Add fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries on the side.
Pair with a simple coulis (berry or caramel) for a plated dessert.
Great for afternoon tea, birthday gatherings, or festive holidays.
Cooking Tips
Let each layer cool fully before assembly to avoid melting or collapsing.
Whisk continuously when making custard or cream to avoid curdling.
Chill the cake long enough—overnight is best.
Use good-quality vanilla for rich flavor.
If using homemade sour cream, strain if watery to avoid a runny filling.
Variations to Try
Chocolate version: Add cocoa to one pastry layer and chocolate chips to the cream.
Lemon zest and blueberry: For a refreshing spring twist.
Nut crust base: Mix ground almonds or hazelnuts into the pastry crust.
Coconut-cream filling: Replace part of the milk with coconut milk.
Berry glaze topping: Brush with a simple berry glaze for color.
Conclusion
This layered cream cake is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. With alternating layers of delicate pastry, vanilla cream, and tangy sour cream custard, each bite is a journey through rich tradition and thoughtful technique. While the process involves multiple components, each step is straightforward, and the result is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re baking to impress or to indulge, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collectionlueberry: For a refreshing spring twist.
Nut crust base: Mix ground almonds or hazelnuts into the pastry crust.
Coconut-cream filling: Replace part of the milk with coconut milk.
Berry glaze topping: Brush with a simple berry glaze for color.
Conclusion
This layered cream cake is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. With alternating layers of delicate pastry, vanilla cream, and tangy sour cream custard, each bite is a journey through rich tradition and thoughtful technique. While the process involves multiple components, each step is straightforward, and the result is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re baking to impress or to indulge, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collectionlace part of the milk with coconut milk.
Berry glaze topping: Brush with a simple berry glaze for color.
Conclusion
This layered cream cake is a masterpiece of texture and flavor. With alternating layers of delicate pastry, vanilla cream, and tangy sour cream custard, each bite is a journey through rich tradition and thoughtful technique. While the process involves multiple components, each step is straightforward, and the result is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re baking to impress or to indulge, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection