This Italian cream-filled pastry cake is the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to a rustic countryside kitchen in Tuscany. It’s soft, golden, filled with silky vanilla-lemon pastry cream, and finished with a light crunch of pine nuts. As a chef, this is one of my most beloved recipes to prepare for special occasions, family dinners, and those sweet moments when only something homemade will do.
Cookies and Cream Cake
The rich custard paired with that melt in your-mouth shortcrust dough? Pure harmony. It’s elegant, comforting, and beautifully simple. If you’ve ever been intimidated by pastry cream or dough, don’t worry I’ll walk you through each step like we’re side by side in the kitchen.
“It’s like a tart, pie, and cake had a beautiful baby filled with custard.”
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cream Pastry Cake
Double layers of golden, buttery dough tender yet sturdy enough to hold luscious filling
Velvety vanilla pastry cream enhanced by a whisper of lemon zest
Perfect make-ahead dessert even better after resting in the fridge
No fancy tools needed just a whisk, rolling pin, and a pan
Freezer-friendly dough you can prep ahead and fill later!
Pair it with a warm drink, fresh berries, or even a scoop of gelato and you’ve got a dessert that’s as refined as it is comforting. For a full Italian dinner experience, serve this after hearty dishes like zucchini patties or vegetable soup.
Easy and Delicious Weight-Loss Flatbreads
Cost-Effective Skincare Routine That Involves Vaseline and Bananas
Mix Flour with Water and Milk and You’ll Thank My Grandmother for the Recipe: Bread Baking Guide
Coat chicken with flour, then place in a slow cooker. Just four additional items will make for a great meal.
Just Mix Cloves with Coffee: A Surprising Hack You’ll Love
Mix banana, honey and water: your cough and bronchitis will disappear
Lady sprays shaving cream around toilet bowl for this brilliant reason
Sesame Turkey (or Chicken) Stir-Fry
Facelift with natural collagen! At 65, wrinkles disappear in 3 minutes