Celebrate Your Special Day with Tasty Pastel de Cumpleaños Recipes
No birthday party is complete without a delicious cake to celebrate the special day. If you're looking for a classic cake to make for a birthday celebration, pastel de cumpleaños is the perfect choice. This classic cake originated in Spain and is traditionally made with layers of rich, buttery cake filled with a creamy custard or pastry cream and topped with a light layer of meringue.Classic Pastel de Cumpleaños Recipes
The classic version of pastel de cumpleaños is made with seven layers of delicate, buttery cake filled with a creamy custard or pastry cream. To make this classic version, start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan. Then, make the cake layers. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool before carefully removing them from the pan and setting aside.Making the Cream Filling
To make the creamy custard or pastry cream filling, start by combining 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of sugar. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool completely before assembling the cake.Assembling and Frosting the Cake
When the cake and the cream filling are ready, it's time to assemble the pastel de cumpleaños. Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate and spread a layer of filling over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers, reserving a small amount of the filling for the top of the cake. To make the meringue frosting, beat together 4 egg whites and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the top and sides of the cake. Then, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue until golden brown.Conclusion
Pastel de cumpleaños is a classic cake that is perfect for any birthday celebration. With layers of delicate cake and creamy custard, it's sure to be a hit. So, if you're looking for a special cake for a birthday celebration, give this classic pastel de cumpleaños a try!