Gateau Basque French Pastry Cream Version

Transport your taste buds to the heart of the Basque region of France with this exquisite Gateau Basque, featuring a luscious French pastry cream filling. This iconic dessert combines a tender, buttery crust—crafted from a simple pâte sablée dough—with a silky, vanilla-infused pastry cream that elevates every bite. Perfectly golden and adorned with a charming crosshatch pattern, this rustic yet elegant tart is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Ideal for dessert or an afternoon treat, this Gateau Basque pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, this recipe promises a taste of French tradition that’s surprisingly achievable in your very own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:85 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 250 grams All-purpose flour
• 170 grams Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 150 grams Granulated sugar
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 500 milliliters Whole milk
• 4 Egg yolks
• 100 grams Granulated sugar (for pastry cream)
• 30 grams Cornstarch
• 1 Vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1 Egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, 1 whole egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3

To prepare the pastry cream, heat the milk and scraped seeds from the vanilla bean (or add vanilla extract later) in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.

Step 4

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 5

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cooled.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch (23 cm) tart or springform pan.

Step 7

Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom and sides of the pan. Press it into the prepared pan.

Step 8

Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the crust, leaving about a 1 cm border around the edges.

Step 9

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or a fork.

Step 10

Brush the top of the pastry with the egg wash. Use the back of a fork to create a crosshatch pattern for decoration.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before unmolding.

Step 12

Slice and serve at room temperature. Enjoy your classic Gateau Basque!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1458.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3979.0

Total Fat 189.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 108.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 1729.0mg	0%
Sodium 2099.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 500.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.4g	0%
Total Sugars 276.7g
Protein 73.4g	0%

Vitamin D 421.1IU	0%
Calcium 883.0mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 1376.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.7%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 50.0%