Puff Pastry Cream and Jam Cake

Puff Pastry Cream and Jam Cake
A stunning layered dessert made with crispy puff pastry, silky vanilla cream, and sweet fruity jam. It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Pastry Layers:
2 sheets puff pastry (about 400–500 g total)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting before baking)
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
500 ml whole milk
4 egg yolks
100 g granulated sugar
40 g cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
30 g unsalted butter
For the Filling & Topping:
150–200 g fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
200 ml heavy cream (cold)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Fresh berries (optional)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Bake the Puff Pastry
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into 3 equal rectangles or circles (depending on your pan shape).
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Prick all over with a fork (prevents too much puffing).
Lightly dust with powdered sugar.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
Cool completely.
2️⃣ Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream
Heat milk in a saucepan until just warm (not boiling).
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks + sugar until pale.
Add cornstarch and mix until smooth.
Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
Return mixture to saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in butter + vanilla.
Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and cool completely.
3️⃣ Whip the Cream
Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold half of it into the cooled pastry cream for a lighter texture.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake
Place one pastry layer on serving plate.
Spread half of the vanilla cream mixture.
Add a thin layer of jam.
Repeat with second pastry layer, cream, and jam.
Top with final pastry layer.
5️⃣ Decorate
Spread remaining whipped cream on top OR
Dust generously with powdered sugar
Add fresh berries if desired
❄️ Chill
Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before slicing (this helps it set nicely).
✨ Tips for Best Results
✔ Assemble just a few hours before serving to keep pastry crisp
✔ Use seedless jam for smoother layers
✔ Slice with a serrated knife