Imagine a cake so decadent, so luxuriously smooth, that it transports you straight to the charming countryside of France with just one bite. The Chestnut Cream Cake, or Gateau Ardechois, is not just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that promises to elevate your baking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With its rich, velvety texture and delicate chestnut flavor, this cake is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chestnut puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Crack the three large eggs into a separate bowl to ensure they are fresh, then add them one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. This will help to incorporate air into the batter.
- Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the chestnut puree to the mixture. Mix on low speed until the puree is evenly combined, creating a smooth batter.
- In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
- Pour in the milk and gently fold it into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. You can also serve it with whipped cream or chestnut cream for added flavor.
- Slice the cake into 10 servings and enjoy your Chestnut Cream Cake Gateau Ardechois as a delightful dessert or a special treat with coffee or tea.
Tips
- Use high-quality chestnut puree for the most authentic flavor. Fresh or premium canned puree makes a significant difference.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- When creaming butter and sugar, be patient and mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this incorporates air and helps create a tender cake.
- Don't overmix the batter after adding flour. Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness. It should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful presentation.
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chestnut cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
