Gâteau Basque
Gâteau Basque is a buttery French pastry from the Basque region, filled with either thick pastry cream or black cherry jam and enclosed in a tender, golden shortcrust. The top is scored in a crosshatch pattern before baking, giving it its distinctive look. It takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to make and serves well at room temperature.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- 9-inch Springform Pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour preferably unbleached
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder fresh for best results
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs preferably organic
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure recommended
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1.5 cups pastry cream or cherry jam depending on preference
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg yolk for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and salt, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the pan. Place it into the pan and gently press the edges.
- Spread the pastry cream or cherry jam evenly over the base.
- Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges gently and trim any excess.
- Mix the egg yolk with milk and use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash over the top of the dough. Use a fork to create a crosshatch pattern on the surface for a traditional look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Notes
- For a unique twist, consider adding a tablespoon of almond flour to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Nutrition
Calories: 505kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 8gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 173mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 907IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 2mg
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