Gâteau Basque

Background and History

The Gâteau Basque is a traditional dessert from the Basque region, nestled between France and Spain. This rich, buttery cake is characterized by its flaky pastry crust and luscious filling, which can be either almond or black cherry jam. Its origins date back to the 18th century when it graced the tables of Basque homes as a Sunday treat.

Historically, Gâteau Basque was considered a symbol of celebration and was often baked during festivities in the province of Labourd, France. The name itself denotes its deep roots in Basque culinary tradition, where pastries are rarely shy of flavor or texture.

Ingredients

• Butter - 200g, preferably unsalted
• Sugar - 150g
• Eggs - 3 large
• All-purpose flour - 250g
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - a pinch
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Almond paste - 250g
• Black cherry jam - 200g
• Milk - 500 ml
• Cornstarch - 50g
• Vanilla bean - 1 whole

Preparation

Step 1: Creating the Dough

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs and continue to beat until well incorporated. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter-egg mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

For the almond cream, blend the almond paste with some of the previously prepared eggs until smooth. For the pastry cream, pour the milk into a saucepan and add the vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch whisked with some milk until thickened. Remove the vanilla bean and fold in the almond mixture.

Step 3: Assembly

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Divide the dough into two unequal parts. Roll out the larger piece to cover the bottom and sides, and the smaller one will act as the top crust.

Pour the filling onto the bottom crust. Optionally, add black cherry jam for a delightful contrast. Roll out the second dough piece to create the top crust, sealing the edges.

Step 4: Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean. You can set a cooking timer to help manage your time.

Enjoying Your Gâteau Basque

Once baked, allow the Gâteau Basque to cool on a rack before slicing. Traditionally, it is served at room temperature, where the flavors have time to meld together perfectly. It pairs wonderfully with a small glass of sweet white wine or a warm cup of coffee. As a perfect highlight of a Basque Sunday lunch, it's a treat that showcases the region's love for rich, flavorful, and simple pleasures.