Pampered

Indulge in pure decadence with "Pampered," a show-stopping dessert that combines the elegance of a layered cake, the richness of silky ganache, and the creamy luxury of handmade pastry cream. This recipe starts with a tender, buttery sponge cake baked to golden perfection and sliced into layers to hold a luscious vanilla-infused pastry cream. The crowning glory is a glossy dark chocolate ganache that cascades over the sides, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With a balance of sweet, creamy, and chocolatey elements, "Pampered" is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations or when you simply want to treat yourself. Easy-to-follow steps ensure amateur bakers can master this recipe, while its gourmet flair impresses even sophisticated palates. Keywords: layered cake recipe, chocolate ganache, pastry cream dessert, elegant dessert ideas, homemade cake.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 200 g All-purpose flour
• 150 g Granulated sugar
• 100 g Unsalted butter
• 3 large Eggs
• 500 ml Whole milk
• 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 50 g Powdered sugar
• 100 ml Heavy cream
• 150 g Dark chocolate
• 1 pinch Salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 100 ml of milk. Mix until a smooth batter forms.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 6

While the cake is baking, prepare the pastry cream. In a saucepan, heat 400 ml of milk and the vanilla bean paste over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

Step 7

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 egg yolks (save the whites for another recipe), and 2 tablespoons of flour to create a thick paste.

Step 8

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Transfer the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Let it cool and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9

For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Stir until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 10

To assemble, slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread a generous layer of the chilled pastry cream over the bottom layer, then place the top layer of the cake on top.

Step 11

Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decadent finish. Use a spatula to smooth if needed.

Step 12

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set. Slice and enjoy your 'Pampered' dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1425.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3926.1

Total Fat 199.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 111.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 951.9mg	0%
Sodium 1075.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 473.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 302.7g
Protein 67.7g	0%

Vitamin D 349.9IU	0%
Calcium 862.6mg	0%
Iron 29.4mg	0%
Potassium 2275.5mg	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: 45.3%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 47.8%