Gâteau Basque

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Gâteau Basque is a delightful French dessert, hailing from the Basque region, known for its rich, buttery pastry and luscious cherry filling. This recipe captures the essence of traditional French baking while being simple enough for a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion dessert.

Ingredients for Gâteau Basque

Butter is the backbone of this dessert, providing a rich, tender texture to the crust. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the filling. Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients and adding moisture. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pastry. The combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder gives structure and a slight rise, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness, perfectly complementing the black cherry jam, which provides a tart contrast. Finally, an egg yolk is used for an egg wash to give the top a beautiful golden finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle. This will make it easier to roll out and work with.
  • Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash evenly, ensuring a golden, glossy finish.
  • If you're out of black cherry jam, raspberry or apricot preserves make great substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

Gâteau Basque pairs beautifully with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Serve it with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of dessert wine to enhance the flavors of the pastry and filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Gâteau Basque can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze Gâteau Basque?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Gâteau Basque Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 9-inch tart pan. This will ensure your Gâteau doesn't stick and comes out easily. Next, in a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft, tender crust.

Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air, which will give your pastry a light texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth in the flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into two uneven parts, with one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger piece and gently fit it into your prepared tart pan, making sure to cover the base and sides evenly. This forms the foundation for your cake.

Spread the almond flour evenly over the base dough. This layer will add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the sweet jam. Carefully spread the black cherry jam over the almond layer, being sure to cover it completely but gently to avoid mixing it with the almond flour.

Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges carefully to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. Brush the top with a beaten egg yolk to give it a beautiful sheen and color after baking.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown. Let it cool before slicing to allow the filling to set, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic taste of France with minimal fuss.
  • Combines a buttery crust with a sweet and tangy filling.
  • Impresses guests without demanding advanced baking skills.
  • Versatile enough to adapt with different fillings.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup black cherry jam
1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch tart pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, with one portion slightly larger. Roll out the larger piece and fit it into the prepared tart pan, pressing gently to cover the base and sides.
6. Spread the almond flour evenly over the base dough.
7. Gently spread the black cherry jam over the almond layer.
8. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges carefully.
9. Brush the top with beaten egg yolk.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

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