Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. With its flaky layers of puff pastry, rich pineapple custard, and creamy cheesecake topping, this cake is not only delicious but also an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to treat yourself, this cake offers an amazing balance of flavor and texture that everyone will love.
Gather Your Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake Ingredients
To make this scrumptious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 can (approximately 400g) pineapple chunks or rings
- 5g vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 40g cornstarch
- Reserved pineapple juice from the can
- 400g puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Water for moistening
- 3 tablespoons raw sugar for sprinkling
- 100g soft cheese (cream cheese)
- 15g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 15g vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 100g heavy cream (33 percent fat content or higher)
Step-by-Step Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake Recipe
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Prepare the Pineapple Filling: Drain the canned pineapple, reserving the juice in a measuring cup. Add water if needed to make a total of 1 cup of liquid. Finely chop the pineapple chunks and set them aside.
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Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add the reserved pineapple juice while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and fold in the chopped pineapple pieces. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and allow to cool completely.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 3mm thickness. Cut it into three equal-sized rectangles (approximately 20cm x 25cm or adjust to your preference). Place the rectangles onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Using a fork, prick the pastry all over to prevent excessive puffing. Lightly brush the tops with water and sprinkle raw sugar evenly over the pastry. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
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Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the soft cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture until well combined but still light and airy. Refrigerate this mixture until you are ready to assemble the cake.
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Assemble the Cake: Begin by placing the first layer of pastry on a serving plate or board. Spread half of the cooled pineapple custard evenly over this layer. Carefully place the second pastry layer on top and spread the remaining custard over it. Finally, top with the third pastry layer. Spread the cream cheese topping over this top layer. Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours to allow the cake to set and for the layers to soften slightly.
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Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with additional icing sugar or crushed puff pastry crumbs for decoration. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut slices, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat edges.
How to Serve Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake
When it’s time to enjoy your cake, consider serving it on a beautiful platter to showcase its layers. You can pair this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely touch and a bit of color to your presentation.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Fruit Variations: While pineapple is the star of the show, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or mangoes for a different flavor twist.
- Add a Crunch: For some added texture, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just ensure it’s ripe and finely chopped.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this cake?
While you can freeze the individual layers before assembly, the assembled cake is best enjoyed fresh due to the cream cheese layer.
This Pineapple Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Cake is a perfect way to end any meal on a sweet note. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this delightful dessert is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy a slice of tropical bliss!