Caramel Vanilla Mille-Crepe Cake is an exquisite dessert made of delicate layers of crepes filled with a rich vanilla pastry cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. This show-stopping cake is perfect for special occasions and offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Crepes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (warm)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Timing

Making Caramel Vanilla Mille-Crepe Cake takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for cooking, plus additional time for cooling and assembling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crepes

1. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes on a plate as you go.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and half of the sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Whisk Yolks and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Then, pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
4. Thicken the Cream: Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
2. Add Cream: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer Crepes and Cream: Place one crepe on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of vanilla pastry cream over the crepe. Repeat with remaining crepes and cream, stacking them as you go.
2. Top with Caramel: Once all layers are assembled, drizzle the top with caramel sauce.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve chilled, drizzling additional caramel sauce over individual slices if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Vanilla Mille-Crepe Cake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	350
Protein	6g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or almond extract to the pastry cream for a unique twist.
• Fruit Additions: Layer fresh berries or banana slices between the crepes for added flavor and texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

Caramel Vanilla Mille-Crepe Cake is a stunning dessert that combines delicate crepes with rich vanilla pastry cream and luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for impressing guests at special occasions or as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to be a favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!