This Wonderful Polish Cake is a traditional dessert featuring light, airy choux pastry layers and a rich, velvety custard cream. Known for its delicate texture and elegant flavor, this cake is perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a sweet treat with a cup of coffee.
If you love European pastries like cream puffs or éclairs, you’ll adore this Polish-inspired dessert. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Light & Airy Dough – Fluffy choux pastry base, just like cream puffs
✔ Velvety Cream Filling – Smooth and rich, with a hint of vanilla
✔ Simple & Elegant – A stunning dessert with minimal effort
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or tea time
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The cream can be prepared in advance
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 100ml water (½ cup)
- 100ml milk (½ cup)
- 150g all-purpose flour (1½ cups)
- 80g butter (⅓ cup)
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cream
- 500ml milk (2 cups)
- 150g sugar (¾ cup)
- 100g flour (1 cup)
- 2 eggs
- 180g butter (¾ cup, softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended!)
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar (for a classic finishing touch!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Heat the Liquid Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine 100ml of milk, 100ml of water, and 80g of butter.
- Add ½ tsp of salt and heat the mixture until it comes to a boil.
Incorporate the Flour
- Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low.
- Quickly stir in 150g of flour and 1 tsp of baking powder, mixing constantly until a smooth dough forms.
- Continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cool the Dough Slightly
- Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 5–10 minutes.
- This prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
Add the Eggs
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Beat the eggs into the dough one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Mix until the dough is smooth and glossy.
Bake the Layers
- Line a 25 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
- Spread half of the dough evenly in the pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes in the middle-lower part of the oven.
- Repeat for the second layer.
- Let both layers cool completely before assembling.
2. Prepare the Cream
Mix the Base
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 100g flour
Cook the Cream
- In a saucepan, bring 500ml of milk to a boil over medium heat.
- Slowly add the egg mixture to the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Once the mixture thickens (about 3 minutes after boiling), remove from heat.
Cool & Incorporate Butter
- Let the cream cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl, beat 180g of butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix the cooled cream into the butter, blending until smooth and silky.
- Add vanilla extract if using.
3. Assemble the Cake
Layer the Cake
- Place the first baked layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the cream filling evenly over the layer.
- Gently place the second baked layer on top.
Chill & Serve
- Dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Slice and enjoy!
Why This Recipe Works
✨ Classic Choux Pastry – Light and airy, pairs perfectly with creamy filling.
✨ Smooth Custard Cream – Lush, velvety texture with rich buttery flavor.
✨ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – No fancy ingredients required!
✨ Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Even better the next day.
Tips for the Best Polish Cake
✔ Use Room Temperature Eggs – They blend more easily into the dough.
✔ Don’t Open the Oven – The choux pastry may deflate if the oven door is opened too early.
✔ Stir the Cream Constantly – This prevents lumps while cooking.
✔ Chill Before Serving – The flavors develop and the cream sets beautifully.
Variations to Try
✅ Chocolate Version – Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the cream for a chocolate twist.
✅ Nutty Delight – Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts between the layers.
✅ Lemon Cream – Add lemon zest to the cream for a citrusy touch.
✅ Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
☕ With Coffee – Pairs beautifully with espresso or cappuccino.
🍵 Tea Time Treat – Serve with black or herbal tea.
🎂 Special Occasions – A showstopping dessert for family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the layers fresh, but the cream can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
3. How do I prevent the cream from forming lumps?
Whisk continuously and slowly pour the egg mixture into the hot milk.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Wonderful Polish Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert, perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering. With its delicate pastry layers and smooth vanilla cream, it’s a treat that everyone will love.