Napoleon cake is an invariable attribute of any holiday, be it a birthday or everyone’s favorite New Year. This is a puff pastry with a layer of custard and glaze. A delicious dessert has nothing to do with a famous commander. In fact, the origin of this dish goes far back to the roots of Italian culinary history.
History of creation
The original name of the dessert was napolitain, which is translated from English as “Neapolitan,” that is, a sweet treat in the style of Naples. Neapolitan food today is rightfully famous for another great invention - pizza. The delicate pastries produced in this city are less well known. This dessert is known in France as "Napoleon". And in Italy it is sometimes called a millefolie, which translates as "a thousand leaves." And indeed, the weightless, deliciously rustling layers resemble autumn foliage.
The great French chef and pastry chef Art Karem was the first to glorify this dessert in the early 1800s, but even then he described it as a “recipe of ancient origin”.
So, this invention belongs to the chefs from Naples. Neapolitan cooks have long been famous for their reputation as culinary jewelers who create dishes based on filigree taste contrasts and unthinkable combinations.
The difference between the options in different countries of the world
It was the confectioners in Naples who laid the foundation for this dessert by developing a soft, creamy custard. Initially, puff pastry was used in the preparation. Later, the French chef had a hand in creating this masterpiece, improving its texture and adding a layer of powder.
The origin of Napoleon is perhaps even older than many suspect. For example, the ancient Romans had an analogue remotely similar to the current famous cake. They had layered desserts cooked on thin cake layers or sheets stacked together. The impregnation was honey with cream or soft cheese.
The modern "Napoleon" without baking also has a connection with another famous sweetness - Greek baklava. But unlike other Mediterranean goodies, the Roman version is always equipped with a generous portion of chopped nuts.
Many housewives do not always have time to bake one of the most popular desserts on weekends. The recipe for “Napoleon” without baking differs from the standard one, which requires a lot of time.
You can avoid the hassle that accompanies baking a regular dessert. How to cook an original and simple Napoleon cake without baking without much effort and expense?
Cooking method
If you do not want to cook the dough, and baking is not your thing, then cakes can be replaced with cookies. It will be saturated with cream, become tender and will melt in your mouth. A minimum of worries and an incredible result. Such a dessert will surprise and delight not only you, but also guests. For the festive table, you can decorate Napoleon without baking with fresh berries or fruits. Accordingly, you can make a classic cake with a new taste. It is just a must try!
Ingredients
All that you need can be found in the nearest supermarket, and many housewives have a set of products for making Napoleon cake without baking just in the kitchen. So, without delay, you will need:
- Cookies “ears” - 800 g.
- Sugar - 150 g.
- Condensed milk - 100 g.
- Corn starch - 1/3 cup.
- Egg - 2 pieces (+ 3 yolks).
- Milk - 3 cups.
- Butter - 110 g
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon.
- Berries and fruits - to taste (for decoration).
The amount of ingredients is designed for 8-10 servings.
Cooking process
- In a pan, mix eggs and yolks with sugar. Beat with a whisk until smooth.
- Add starch, condensed milk, pour with ordinary milk. Stir and put on a small fire.
- Wait until the cream begins to boil. After removing it from the heat, add vanilla extract and softened butter. Beat until smooth with a mixer and leave to cool.
- Instead of cakes we use cookies. It must be carefully cut in half so that it can easily be put into shape. Next, grind part of the cookie with a blender into small crumbs. This will be a topping for the cake.
- Prepare a uniform (24 cm) with removable sides. At the bottom we put a spoonful of cream and rub it all over the plane. Next, pour a layer of cookies. Again the cream and so on to the very top of the form.
- The cake must be left to stand. Ideal option: leave it in the refrigerator for the night. Then open the form and carefully remove it. Sprinkle Napoleon cake without crumbs on all sides with crumbs.
Before serving, you can decorate as desired. Many people prefer whipped cream and fresh fruit.
"Napoleon" without baking cookies, perhaps, can cook even a polishing hostess. For sweet tooth, the following option is suitable: sprinkle cake with chocolate chips or marshmallows. And on a hot summer day, ice cream balls can be an ideal decoration. Here he is, "Napoleon"! Everyone can get a cake without baking at home, even without prior culinary experience. The main thing is to take action!