A Showstopping Dessert with Cloud-Like Puff Pastry & Luxurious Vanilla Custard
This beloved Polish cake features two golden, crispy choux pastry layers sandwiching a rich vanilla custard cream, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the Carpathian Mountains!
Why This Cake is Special
☁️ Light yet indulgent – Airy pastry meets creamy filling
⏱ Surprisingly simple – Uses basic pantry ingredients
🏔 Stunning presentation – Rustic powdered sugar “snow”
🇵🇱 Taste of Poland – Classic dessert for special occasions
Ingredients Breakdown
Choux Pastry Layers
| Quantity | Ingredient | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | Water | Steam for puffing |
| ½ cup | Butter | Richness & flavor |
| 1 cup | Flour | Structure |
| 4 | Eggs | Lift & stability |
| ¼ tsp | Salt | Flavor balance |
Custard Filling
| 2 cups | Whole milk | Creamy base |
| ½ cup | Sugar | Sweetness |
| ¼ cup | Cornstarch | Thickening power |
| 1 tbsp | Flour | Extra stability |
| 4 | Egg yolks | Rich texture |
| 1 tbsp | Vanilla | Flavor depth |
| ½ cup | Butter | Silky finish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Boil water + butter in saucepan
- Add flour + salt – stir vigorously until ball forms
- Cool 5 minutes
- Beat in eggs one at a time until glossy
2. Bake the Layers
- Divide dough between 2 parchment-lined 9″ pans
- Spread evenly (don’t worry about smoothness)
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden
- Cool completely (they will deflate)
3. Prepare the Custard
- Whisk dry ingredients in saucepan
- Gradually add milk until smooth
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly
- Temper in egg yolks, cook 2 more minutes
- Off heat, add vanilla
- Cool slightly, then beat in softened butter
4. Assemble the Cake
- Place first pastry layer on plate
- Spread all custard evenly
- Top with second pastry layer
- Chill at least 2 hours
5. Final Touches
- Dust heavily with powdered sugar
- Cut with serrated knife
Expert Techniques
Perfect Choux Pastry
✔ Don’t open oven during first 20 minutes
✔ Pastry should be deep golden (not pale)
✔ Cool completely before filling
Creamy Custard Secrets
🌀 Constant stirring prevents lumps
🌡 Tempering eggs avoids scrambling
🧈 Butter must be softened for smooth incorporation
Serving & Storage
Best Served: Chilled but not cold (remove from fridge 30 mins before serving)
Storage:
- Fridge: 3 days (cover loosely)
- Freezer: 1 month (without sugar dusting)
Presentation Ideas:
- Decorate with fresh berries
- Pipe whipped cream borders
- Add edible flowers for special occasions
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution
Flat pastry | Dough too wet/eggs added too quickly
Lumpy custard | Strain before adding butter
Weeping custard | Ensure proper thickening before removing from heat
Cultural Note: The name “Karpatka” comes from the cake’s resemblance to the snow-dusted Carpathian Mountains when dusted with powdered sugar.
This elegant yet approachable dessert is perfect for impressing guests or celebrating family traditions. The contrast between crisp pastry and velvety custard makes every bite heavenly!
Share your creations #PolishKarpatka! 🇵🇱❄️
