20-Layer Crepe Cake
by Ellen Easton ©2009 - All Rights Reserved


 
 

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20-Layer Crepe CakePhoto By Ellen Easton ©2009 All Rights Reserved

As the actual recipe for Lady Mendl's 20-Layer Crepe Cake is a trademark secret, this is Ellen Easton's version of this delicious 20-layer cake. Check out Ellen's article on tea at Lady Mendl's Tea Salon.

Check out more of Ellen Easton's Tea Travels articles and recipes.

Learn about the History of English High Tea, English High Tea Menu, and more delicious Afternoon Tea and High Tea Recipes.


20-Layer Crepe Cake

Crepe Batter:
6 tablespoons butter
3 cups milk
6
eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose
flour
7 tablespoons granulated
sugar
Pinch salt

NOTE: Prepare the crepe batter either several hours or one day in advance.

In a small pan, melt the butter until lightly browned; remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate, small pan, warm the milk until steaming; remove from heat and set aside to allow to cool slightly. 

In a large bowl using your electric mixer at a low speed, mix together the eggs, flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly add in the warm milk and browned butter. Pour the batter into a tightly-sealed container to refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
 

Pastry Creme Filling:
1 egg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon hot water
2 tablespoons heavy cream, whipped

In a small bowl, add egg, flour, sugar, and cornstarch; beat until smooth.

In a saucepan over low heat, bring milk almost to a boil (simmer). Immediately remove from heat and slowly whisk the milk into the egg mixture. Return all ingredients to the saucepan, while constantly stirring, for about 5 minutes, until thickened and comes to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add vanilla extract and hot water; stir until dissolved into the mixture. Set aside to cool until firm.

When the Pastry Creme has cooled, fold in the whipped cream. Refrigerate mixture until thick (best if refrigerated overnight).
 

Assembly of 20-Layer Crepe Cake:
Crepe Batter
Pastry Creme Filling
2 cups
heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Powdered (confectioners') sugar

  • To prepare and cook the crepes, remove the Crepe Batter from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a nonstick or lightly-oiled crepe pan over medium-low heat. Evenly distribute approximately 3 tablespoons Crepe Batter; swirl to cover the surface of the pan. Cook approximately 1 minute or just until the bottom of the crepe becomes lightly browned. Using your clean fingers, gently and carefully turn the crepe over and continue cooking for a few minutes longer.. Cook on the other side of the crepe for no longer than 5 seconds. Remove the cooked crepe onto a prepared baking sheet (do not stack the crepes on top of each other). Repeat this process until you have 20 perfect crepes. NOTE: You might need to prepare a few practice crepes in the beginning.
     
  • Remove the Pastry Creme Filling from the refrigerator. Whip the 2 cups of heavy cream with the 1 tablespoon sugar. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled and thickened Pastry Creme Filling.
     

  • Place one (1) prepared crepe on a large cake plate. With a small spatula or wide blade knife, completely cover the crepe with a thin layer of the pastry cream mixture (approximately 1/4 cup). Cover with another dry crepe and repeat covering with the pastry creme until you have reached 20 layers. The 20th crepe will be the last or top layer.
     

  • Refrigerate the prepared cake for a minimum of 2 hours. Allow to stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered (confectioners' sugar).
     

  • When ready to serve, slice into individual servings. Garnish the plate with fresh berries.
     


ELLEN EASTON, author of AFTERNOON TEA...TIPS, TERMS and TRADITIONS and Good $ense For $uccess™, is a consultant to leading hotels and tearooms, including The PLAZA and LADY MENDL’s, is speaker and designer of related products to the hotel, food service, retail and special event industries.

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