Basque custard cake

Custard Cake (Gâteau Basque Style)

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 250g flour
• 125g sugar
• 125g butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the custard filling:

• 500ml milk
• 100g sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 50g cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the custard:
   • Heat the milk with vanilla in a saucepan.
   • In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale, then add cornstarch.
   • Gradually pour hot milk over the egg mixture while whisking.
   • Return the mixture to the pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
   • Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool.
2. Prepare the pastry dough:
   • In a bowl, mix softened butter with sugar until creamy.
   • Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
   • Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it forms a soft dough.
   • Divide dough into two parts, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the cake:
   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Roll out one part of dough and place it in a greased cake pan.
   • Pour the cooled custard over the pastry.
   • Roll out the second part and place it over the custard, sealing the edges.
   • Brush the top with egg yolk and draw patterns with a fork.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
   • Let cool before slicing.