Among Japan’s many culinary treasures, the Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake captured my heart instantly. As someone who adores French crepes, seeing this elegant interpretation was a magical moment.
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Easy Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake Recipe
Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake is a popular version of the famous Japanese mille crepe cake with a rich vanilla pastry cream. This mille crepe cake is a French-inspired dessert known for its delicate layers of thin crepes stacked atop one another, with each layer separated by a luscious filling.
The name “mille crepe” translates to “a thousand layers,” emphasizing the multitude of crepes used in constructing the cake. The mille crepe cakes were credited to Japanese pastry chef Emy Wada. This cake has become one of the most typical Japanese desserts.
Creating a Japanese-style crepe cake is not hard, but you need to be patient with a keen eye for detail. The crepes need to be perfectly thin, and the layers must be assembled with care to achieve the desired height. Here’s how to make the Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake:
Classic Vanilla Mille Crepe Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruits strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and gradually add them to the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In another bowl, warm the milk until it's just heated but not boiling.
- Gradually add the warm milk to the batter, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the skillet, swirling to spread evenly. Cook each crepe for about 1-2 minutes and gently flip the crepe using a spatula or flipping it in the air. Cook the other side for an additional 1 minute or until lightly golden.
- Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter. If the skillet starts to stick, you can lightly re-grease it. Allow the crepes to cool completely.
- Place one crepe on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the crepe. Continue layering crepes and whipped cream until you have a stack.
- Top the cake with more whipped cream and fresh fruits.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Pairing suggestions
1. Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Wine: A bubbly champagne, like Mumm Napa Cuvée M, pairs perfectly with the vanilla mille crepe cake’s richness.
- White Russian: This creamy cocktail complements the cake’s texture.
- Amaretto Sour: The almond notes add a nice touch alongside vanilla.
- French 75: Gin, lemon juice, and champagne bring a zesty contrast to the creamy layers.
- Matcha Latte: Matcha’s earthy taste balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot in Earl Grey enhances the dessert’s flavors.
2. Food Pairings
- Fresh Fruits: Berries like strawberries or blueberries add freshness and visual appeal.
- Fruit Compote: A mixed fruit compote boosts the flavor, pairing well with the cake’s lightness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Offer chocolate or lemon-infused whipped cream for a custom touch.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce for added richness in each bite.
Variations
You can try other mille crepe cake variations with different fillings, varying from classic vanilla pastry cream to chocolate ganache, fruit compotes (strawberry, blueberry, or lemon), or even matcha-flavored creams.
1. Matcha Crepe Cake is infused with matcha powder and alternate layers with a light and creamy matcha-flavored filling, which is a Japanese flavor.
2. Chocolate Crepe Cake: The crepes are layered with rich chocolate ganache and a hint of hazelnut spread. The batter is also added with cocoa powder. It’s perfect for those who can’t resist a chocolatey indulgence.
3. Mille Crepe Cake with Berries: Alternate layers of crepes with a mixed berry compote and a fluffy whipped cream filling. It’s fresh, fruity, and perfect for a summer treat.
4. Salted Caramel Crepe Cake has layers of salted caramel sauce and a smooth caramel-flavored pastry cream.
5. Pistachio Crepe Cake: You can also try a nutty twist with pistachio-flavored crepes, layered with pistachio paste and a pistachio cream filling. It’s a green-hued masterpiece.
6. Tropical Crepe Cake: Coconut crepes layered with a tropical fruit medley, such as mango, pineapple, and passion fruit.
7. Crepe Cake with Lemon Zest paired with a tangy lemon curd and a light, zesty whipped cream.
8. Nutella Crepe Cake: Each layer is generously smeared with the creamy goodness of Nutella. The cake is topped with a drizzle of Nutella and perhaps a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for that extra crunch.
9. Oreo Crepe Cake elevates the classic crepe cake with the iconic crunch of Oreo cookies. Between each velvety crepe layer lies a luscious filling made from crushed Oreos and a smooth, vanilla-infused cream.
10. Crepe Tiramisu Cake: Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, the Tiramisu Crepe Cake is a delicate balance of coffee-soaked crepes and layers of mascarpone cream.
You can create other variations you like. Feel free to mix and match flavors, get creative with fillings, and tailor it to your taste buds.
Troubleshooting issues
1. Making Thick Crepes: Thick crepes can disrupt the delicate texture of a mille crepe cake. Use no more than 1/3 cup of batter per crepe and spread it thinly across the pan to achieve light, even layers.
2. Skipping Proper Layering: Layering evenly is key for a balanced mille crepe cake. Spread a thin layer of cream between each crepe to enhance both flavor and texture.
3. Ignoring Cooling Time: Make sure crepes are fully cooled before stacking. Warm crepes can turn soggy when layered, weakening the cake’s structure.
