Welsh cream cake, also known as Welsh cream tart, is a delectable dessert that originates from Wales, a country known for its rich culinary traditions. This delightful treat features a creamy custard filling encased in a crisp pastry crust, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar (for the custard filling)
¼ cup cornstarch
A pinch of salt
Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
Preparing the Pastry Crust
a. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
b. Add the vanilla extract and one egg yolk. Mix until the dough comes together.
c. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Preparing the Custard Filling
a. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.
b. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the remaining two egg yolks and whisk until well combined.
c. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
d. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
e. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3
Assembling and Baking the Welsh cream cake,
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
b. Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
c. Pour the cooled custard filling into the pastry shell.
d. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the custard is set.
e. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
f. Garnish with fresh berries and serve.
Secrets of Preparation
Now that you have the basic recipe for Welsh cream cake, let’s dive into some additional information to help you create the perfect dessert.
Secret Ingredient: Mahatma Rice’s Arroz con Leche Recipe
To add a delightful twist to your Tarta de crema galesa, try incorporating Mahatma Rice’s Arroz con Leche recipe. This creamy and aromatic rice pudding is a popular dessert in many Latin American countries.
By using the Arroz con Leche recipe, you can infuse your custard filling with the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a unique fusion of British and Latin American desserts. You can find the recipe here: https://mahatmarice.com/recipes/arroz-con-leche
A World of Accompaniments
Welsh cream cake, is delicious on its own, but it can be taken to the next level when paired with some complementary accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also add a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Variations of this Recipe Adding a Personal Touch
One of the wonderful aspects of cooking is the ability to put your own spin on classic recipes. Welsh cream cake is no exception! Let’s dive into some creative ideas to elevate this already delightful treat.
Fruit Infusion Adding a Burst of Flavor
While the original Welsh cream cake, is a creamy delight on its own, you can enhance its flavors by incorporating different fruits into the custard filling. Consider infusing the custard with the essence of citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, to add a refreshing twist.
Nutty Delights Adding Crunch and Texture
If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your desserts, why not experiment with adding nuts to your Welsh cream cake,? Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be mixed into the custard filling to add a delightful texture. Additionally, you can sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios on top of the tart before baking, creating a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Chocolate Indulgence A Chocoholic’s Dream
For all the chocolate lovers out there, consider infusing your Welsh cream cake, with the richness of cocoa. You can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard filling and mix it well before pouring it into the pastry crust. For an extra dose of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked tart or sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
Mini Tartlets Bite-Sized Delights
Another fun variation of Welsh cream cake is to create individual tartlets instead of a single large tart. Simply divide the pastry dough into smaller portions and press them into individual tartlet pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and you’ll have adorable bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or special occasions.
Proper Storage Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare Welsh cream cake, in advance, it’s essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness. Place the tart in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. However, note that the pastry crust may lose some of its crispness over time. When ready to serve, bring the tart to room temperature or reheat it briefly in the oven for a few minutes to restore its delightful texture.
Welsh cream cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of Welsh culinary traditions with a creamy custard filling. With its crisp pastry crust and luscious center, this dessert is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
By exploring the secrets of preparation, incorporating additional flavors like Mahatma Rice’s Arroz con Leche, and experimenting with different accompaniments, you can create a unique twist on this classic recipe. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the exquisite flavors of Tarta de crema galesa today!
