Gâteau Basque
Gâteau basque encloses thick vanilla custard in soft shortcrust pastry. Chill before rolling and seal the edges securely to keep the cream inside a golden patterned lid.
Additional 2 h 30 min — cooling and chilling
How to make it
Prepared 0 of 6 steps
Make the pastry
Reserve 25 g flour for rolling. Cream 160 g soft butter with 120 g sugar and add 1 egg. Add remaining flour, baking powder and salt, bring together quickly, divide unequally and chill for 1 hour.
Cook the filling
Heat milk and vanilla. Mix yolks with remaining 100 g sugar and starch, then gradually add hot milk. Return to heat, bring to the first bubbles and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Chill the custard
Remove from heat and add remaining 20 g butter. Transfer to a wide bowl, cover film-to-surface, cool over a cold water bath and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until cold and thick.
Line the pie dish
Heat the oven to 175 °C. Roll the larger pastry portion on reserved flour and line a 22 cm tin with sides. Add cold custard, leaving the pastry edge clear to join to the lid.
Seal and pattern the lid
Roll the smaller portion over the filling, seal and trim edges. Beat remaining egg and brush the top. Use a fork to mark a shallow lattice without cutting through to the custard.
Bake and cool
Bake for 45–55 minutes until evenly golden brown. Rest in the tin on a rack, then cool for at least 1 hour for stable slices. Cherry jam, berries and icing sugar are not included.
Little hint
Warm custard melts butter in soft pastry and ruins the sides. If dough sticks or tears while rolling, chill briefly rather than adding lots of flour.
Frequently asked questions
What should I watch out for when cooking?
Warm custard melts butter in soft pastry and ruins the sides. If dough sticks or tears while rolling, chill briefly rather than adding lots of flour.
How should I prepare the ingredients?
Reserve 25 g flour for rolling. Cream 160 g soft butter with 120 g sugar and add 1 egg. Add remaining flour, baking powder and salt, bring together quickly, divide unequally and chill for 1 hour.
