Basque Sweet Treat: Pastel Vasco (Basque Custard-filled Cake)

Basque Custard-filled Cake, also known as Pastel Vasco, is a traditional Basque sweet treat that features a delicious custard filling encased in a tender cake crust. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Basque Sweet Treat: Pastel Vasco (Basque Custard-filled Cake)

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spread two-thirds of the batter into the prepared cake pan, creating a slight well in the center.
  5. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the custard into the well of the cake batter in the pan. Spoon the remaining cake batter over the custard, spreading it to the edges to seal in the custard.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Serve the Basque Custard-filled Cake at room temperature and enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Protein
5g
Fat
15g

Supplies

9-inch round cake pan Mixing bowls Whisk Saucepan Wire rack

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the Basque Custard-filled Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips & tricks

For the best results, make sure to cool the cake completely before slicing to allow the custard to set.

Cost

$10