Italian Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The luscious, creamy filling paired with the soft, buttery cake base makes for a comforting yet elegant dessert. The cake dough is easy to work with, and the pastry cream is silky and flavorful, enhanced by the subtle brightness of lemon zest. This dessert is impressive yet straightforward, ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but highly recommended for a fragrant touch)

For the Cake Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder

Directions

Prepare the Pastry Cream:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and lemon zest over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and comes to a boil.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin, and chill until set.

Prepare the Cake Dough:

6. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
8. Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan to form the base.
9. Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the dough base.
10. Crumble the remaining dough over the pastry cream layer.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the pastry cream is set.
12. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Makes about 12 bars.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time for pastry cream: 1 hour
Baking time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Add fresh berries on top of the pastry cream before adding the crumble dough.
• Substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a citrus twist.
• Mix chopped nuts into the crumble topping for added texture.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty aroma.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for an extra decadent touch.

Storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as the pastry cream may lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I make the pastry cream ahead of time?

Yes, pastry cream can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

It’s not recommended to freeze due to the texture of the pastry cream.

Can I substitute cornstarch with flour?

Yes, but the pastry cream may be slightly less smooth.

How do I prevent a skin from forming on the pastry cream?

Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap while cooling.

Can I use low-fat milk?

Whole milk provides the best texture and richness, but low-fat can be used with slight changes in creaminess.

What is the best way to cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wipe clean between cuts.

Can I make the dough gluten-free?

Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How long does the pastry cream need to chill?

At least 1 hour, until it thickens and sets.

Can I add flavorings to the cake dough?

Yes, a teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract can enhance flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, bake in two pans or a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Pastry Cream Cake Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy, tender, and crumbly textures with a subtle citrus aroma. Perfect for any occasion, they bring the elegance of classic pastry cream to an easy-to-share bar format. This recipe is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and satisfying richness.

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