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Classic Tarte Tropézienne: A French Pastry Masterpiece

A gorgeous Tarte Tropézienne featuring golden sponge with vanilla cream and decorative glaze, perfect for a French dessert.

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Tarte tropozienne

Classic Tarte Tropézienne is a legendary French dessert originating from the coastal town of Saint-Tropez. This sumptuous treat features a golden sponge cake layered with luscious vanilla pastry cream and topped with a shimmering caramelized mirror glaze. The rich flavors and textures create a unique experience, transporting you to a sunny French Riviera café with each bite. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, Tarte Tropézienne is the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence.

This dessert has a rich history, with roots tracing back to the 1950s when a local baker crafted it for the film crew of “And God Created Woman” starring Brigitte Bardot. The delightful blend of soft sponge, creamy filling, and stunning glaze quickly gained popularity, becoming a signature recipe representative of the region. Tarte Tropézienne is not just a cake; it’s a symbol of French culinary art that embodies passion and creativity, making it a staple in French patisseries.

Tarte Tropézienne is a versatile dessert suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting a garden party, or enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, this cake impresses with its taste and visual appeal. Serve it as a centerpiece at festive gatherings or slice it into smaller pieces for a delightful treat at any time. The joy of sharing this dessert with friends and family makes it a beloved choice for any celebration, providing a touch of French elegance to your table.

Tarte tropozienne

Classic Tarte Tropézienne: A French Pastry Masterpiece

Recipe by Mary Clarkson

Difficulty

Intermediate

Servings

8 servings

Prep time

40 Mins

Cooking time

30 Mins

Ingredients

  • 200g all-purpose flour
  • 10g baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 150g sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100ml melted butter
  • 500ml milk
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • 100g sugar (for pastry cream)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 40g cornstarch
  • 100g sugar (for mirror glaze)
  • 50ml water
  • 1 tablespoon gelatin
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a round cake pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 200g of all-purpose flour, 10g of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk 150g of sugar with 3 large eggs until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until just combined.
  5. Fold in 100ml of melted butter and mix until smooth.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow the sponge cake to cool completely before layering.
  8. Prepare the vanilla pastry cream by heating 500ml of milk with 1 vanilla pod until steaming.
  9. In a separate bowl, whisk together 100g of sugar with 4 egg yolks and 40g of cornstarch.
  10. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
  11. Return the mixture to the heat and cook until thickened. Cool before using.
  12. Once the sponge is cooled, slice it in half horizontally.
  13. Spread a layer of vanilla pastry cream on the bottom half of the sponge.
  14. Dollop more cream on top and cover with the top half of the sponge.
  15. Prepare a caramelized mirror glaze using 100g of sugar, 50ml of water, and 1 tablespoon of gelatin.
  16. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to flow down the sides.
  17. Pipe cream dots around the edge for decoration and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

320

Carbs

42

Protein

6

Fats

15

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