Basque Cake(Gateau Basque)

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: French

A rich and flavorful Basque Cake featuring a buttery crust filled with pastry cream infused with rum or black cherry preserves, perfect for special occasions or dessert lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 C sifted flour
  • 1/2 C sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 C softened butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 lemon peel, grated
  • Pastry cream flavored with rum or black cherry preserves
  • 1 beaten egg

Instructions

  1. Put the flour in a large bowl.
  2. Make a hole in the middle and place sugar, salt, softened butter, egg yolks, baking powder, and grated lemon peel into the hole.
  3. Use your hands to work everything together into a dough.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality vanilla extract in your pastry cream. If you don't have black cherry preserves, raspberry or apricot can be delicious substitutes. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. For a twist, experiment with adding a splash of almond extract to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Basque Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote. This cake also makes a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Basque Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basque Cake(Gateau Basque) contains roughly 249 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1953mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).

249 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 4g 5% DV
Carbs 49.6g 18% DV
Fiber 3.6g 13% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1952.8mg 85% DV
Potassium 263.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 97.1mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 30.3mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 166.2mg 13% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Basque Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I use instead of rum in the pastry cream?

If you prefer not to use rum, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or even a splash of orange juice for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness if necessary to maintain balance.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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