Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheets into rectangles about 12×4 inches (you should get 3 layers per cake).
- Bake the pastry: Transfer the cut pastry pieces to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Cook the apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Set aside: Once cooked, remove the apples from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Cream
- Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Set aside.
- Mix the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Combine the mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add vanilla and butter: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let the custard cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the puff pastry: Place one puff pastry rectangle on a serving plate.
- Add custard and apples: Spread a thin layer of the custard cream on top, followed by a layer of cooked apples.
- Repeat: Place another layer of puff pastry on top and repeat the custard and apple layers. Finish with the third puff pastry rectangle.
- Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a decorative touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique Twist on a Classic: The combination of Napoleon’s famous flaky pastry with the warmth of spiced apples makes this dessert a delightful and sophisticated treat.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This layered cake is impressive to look at and even better to eat, making it ideal for special occasions.
- Versatile and Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or even a touch of caramel between the layers for extra texture and flavor.
With its perfect blend of crisp, creamy, and fruity layers, this Apple Napoleon Cake is sure to become a favorite for any dessert lover. Enjoy the sweet and spiced apples paired with the richness of custard, all nestled between flaky pastry layers—a true delight!