Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Napoleon Cake


  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Napoleon Cake is a classic French-inspired dessert made simple. With crisp, golden puff pastry sheets layered between rich, silky vanilla custard, it offers elegance without effort. Ideal for entertaining or indulging, it’s a beautiful balance of texture and flavor that gets even better as it chills.


Ingredients

3 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

2 cups whole milk

5 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional: fresh strawberries or berries for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut puff pastry sheets into equal rectangles. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, prick with a fork, and cover with another sheet of parchment and a second tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

2. In a saucepan, heat the milk until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking, then return to the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).

4. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and chill until fully cooled.

5. To assemble, place one pastry sheet on a serving dish. Spread a layer of custard. Repeat with the second layer and custard, then top with the third pastry.

6. Dust the top with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh berries if desired.

7. Chill assembled cake for at least 2 hours before slicing for best texture and clean layers.

Notes

Chilling the cake before serving helps the custard set and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: napoleon cake, puff pastry dessert, custard cake, mille feuille, easy dessert, French pastry