Name: Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup water; 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup cornstarch or potato starch; 3 large egg yolks; 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting

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If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel like a little slice of heaven, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves. Imagine layers of golden, puffed choux pastry hugging a luscious, silky vanilla custard cream—light in texture but rich in flavor. This classic Polish treat might just become your new ultimate comfort dessert, with every bite melting softly on your tongue and leaving you craving more. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a wonderful choice for both family dinners and special occasions.

Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great dessert starts with a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that unforgettable taste and texture of the Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves. From buttery choux pastry to creamy vanilla custard, these essentials come together effortlessly to make magic in your kitchen.

½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and the perfect moisture balance to the pastry and custard.
1 cup water: Essential for the choux pastry, helping it puff up beautifully in the oven.
1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted): Provides structure for the delicate pastry layers.
4 large eggs (room temperature): Help create that light, airy texture in the pastry dough.
2 cups whole milk: Forms the base of the smooth, creamy custard filling.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right.
½ cup unsalted butter (for custard): Whisked into the custard for that luxurious melt-in-your-mouth feel.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the cream with classic, comforting vanilla flavor.
⅓ cup cornstarch or potato starch: Thickens the custard to creamy perfection.
3 large egg yolks: Enrich the custard with depth and silky texture.
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting): Gives the final cake a pretty, snow-kissed look that’s just irresistible.

How to Make Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking pans with parchment paper. In a saucepan, melt your butter with water, then bring this mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, add all the sifted flour at once and stir vigorously. You’ll notice the dough coming together into a ball and pulling away from the sides — that’s exactly what you want! Remove the dough from heat and let it cool down for about 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. This is the foundation for those incredible puffed layers that give the cake its charm.

Step 2: Bake the Pastry Layers

Spread the choux dough evenly into your prepared pans. As it bakes for 25 to 30 minutes, watch it puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown with those signature deep ridges and cracks. Resist the urge to open the oven door too soon — these ridges and mountains add to the cake’s whimsical, “cloud-like” appearance. Once baked, set the layers aside to cool completely so the pastry remains crisp and light.

Step 3: Make the Silky Vanilla Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until perfectly smooth. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to keep the eggs from scrambling. Transfer this blend back to your saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring vigorously until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like custard. Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until velvety and smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface to prevent a skin from forming, and allow it to cool fully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves

Once the custard is completely cooled, give it a quick whip with a mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes until silky and light. Place one of your choux pastry layers on a serving dish and spread the heavenly custard evenly over the top. Carefully place the second pastry layer on top, creating those dreamy, cloud-like layers this cake is famous for.

Step 5: Chill and Finish

Refrigerate your assembled cake for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This chilling step allows the custard to set fully, making every slice neat and luscious. When ready to serve, dust the entire cake generously with powdered sugar, adding that perfect snowy touch that makes the Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves look as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and add an extra layer of flavor, consider topping the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries that bring a bright, tart contrast to the sweet cream. You could also sprinkle some toasted almonds or delicate edible flowers for an elegant touch. Each garnish adds texture and visual appeal without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of strong coffee or a fragrant black tea, which balance the richness beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, a dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side complements the creamy vanilla custard perfectly while keeping the focus on the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests with a modern twist, slice the cake into elegant rectangular finger portions on a long platter, letting the layers shine. Alternatively, dust the top with cocoa powder alongside the powdered sugar for a subtle, sophisticated contrast. You can even drizzle a bit of warm chocolate or caramel sauce tableside for that wow factor everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves tightly covered in the refrigerator. Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. This makes it a wonderful make-ahead dessert for gatherings or a sweet treat to enjoy over several days.

Freezing

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze the custard and pastry layers separately if you want to prepare components ahead of time. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw completely in the fridge before assembling to maintain the signature light texture and creamy filling.

Reheating

This cake is not meant to be reheated since the custard cream sets best cold. If you find the pastry has lost a bit of its initial crispness, a gentle toast of the individual layers before assembly can revive some of that delightful texture. Otherwise, serving it chilled retains the best experience of the classic layers that make this dessert so beloved.

FAQs

What makes the Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves lighter than other cream cakes?

The lightness comes primarily from the airy choux pastry layers and the silky vanilla custard that isn’t overly heavy or whipped with cream. The choux dough puffs up like little clouds in the oven creating an almost sponge-like texture that heads into a soft, creamy filling, making each bite feel delicate rather than dense.

Can I substitute potato starch for cornstarch in the custard?

Absolutely! Potato starch works just as well as cornstarch in thickening the custard. It has a very similar thickening power and creates the same smooth, pudding-like consistency that’s perfect for this recipe.

Is this cake suitable for beginners making choux pastry for the first time?

Definitely! While choux pastry can seem intimidating, this recipe breaks down each step clearly. The brief cooking of the dough and the gradual addition of eggs ensures easy handling and great results. Plus, the forgiving nature of the custard filling adds a creamy safety net if the pastry isn’t perfect.

How long should I chill the assembled cake before serving?

It’s best to chill the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set fully and the flavors to meld beautifully. For even better results, chilling overnight enhances the texture and makes slicing easier.

Can I make the custard richer or lighter?

Yes! For a richer custard, fold in about ½ cup of lightly whipped cream once the custard is cooled for extra silkiness and indulgence. If you prefer it lighter, simply stick with the plain custard as is—the balance of creaminess and fluffiness is perfect as presented.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about bringing out a dessert as delightful as the Cloud-Like Polish Cream Cake Everyone Loves. It combines simple ingredients with a classic technique to create a treat that’s both impressive and utterly comforting. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or savoring a quiet moment alone, this cake promises a moment of pure joy. So go ahead, try this recipe, and let yourself drift away on those dreamy layers of cloud-like perfection.