Gâteau de Saint-Tropez

Introduction to Gâteau de Saint-Tropez

The Gâteau de Saint-Tropez, often called Tarte Tropézienne, is a renowned dessert hailing from the glamorous town of Saint-Tropez in the French Riviera. This delightful brioche cake is filled with a generous layer of cream, making it a quintessential treat in French pastry. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-20th century when Polish baker Alexandre Micka introduced it to the region in the 1950s. The dessert gained international fame when Brigitte Bardot tasted it during the filming of "And God Created Woman" and suggested the name "Tarte Tropézienne."

Ingredients

• Brioche
• Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Yeast
• Whipped cream
• Pastry cream
• Orange blossom water
• Powdered sugar

Preparation Steps for Gâteau de Saint-Tropez

Making the Brioche Dough

1. Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of warm milk from the overall quantity.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, dissolved yeast, remaining milk, and sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and continue to combine the mixture.
4. Incorporate the butter, ensuring it is at room temperature, and continue to knead until you have a smooth dough.
5. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. This will take approximately 1-2 hours depending on ambient temperature.

Preparing the Cream Filling

1. Combine whipped cream and pastry cream in a bowl.
2. Add orange blossom water and mix well until fluffy and homogeneous.
3. Refrigerate the cream until it is ready to be used.

The Cooking Process

Baking the Brioche

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Shape the risen dough into a disc and place it on a lined baking sheet.
3. Allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes before baking.
4. Bake the brioche for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set aside to cool.

Assembling the Gâteau de Saint-Tropez

1. Cut the cooled brioche horizontally.
2. Spread the prepared cream filling generously on the bottom half.
3. Place the top half of the brioche over the cream.
4. Dust the surface with powdered sugar for decoration.

Enjoying Gâteau de Saint-Tropez

Gâteau de Saint-Tropez is best enjoyed in the afternoon with a cup of espresso or tea. Its sweet creamy filling and soft textured brioche make it an irresistible choice for dessert lovers. Whether you’re indulging alone or sharing with friends, this cake is sure to bring a touch of French elegance to any occasion.

Use a cooking timer to ensure precise baking and rise times, allowing the flavors and textures to develop perfectly.