Gâteau Breton
French cuisine is known worldwide for its diversity and unique flavor profiles. One such delicacy that hails from the Bretagne region of France is the Gâteau Breton, also known as the Breton cake. This buttery, dense and crumbly cake is the perfect treat for any occasion and will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
The name “Gâteau Breton” literally translates to “Breton cake” in English, and it truly is a piece of heaven on a plate. This traditional French cake can be traced back to the 19th century, and it was originally made by the wives of sailors who used to venture out to sea for months on end. It is said that the dense and buttery texture of the cake was meant to keep the sailors fueled during their long and treacherous journeys.
The Gâteau Breton is a simple yet flavorful cake that requires only a few ingredients, including flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The secret to its success lies in the quality of the ingredients used, and in particular, the butter. The butter used in the Gâteau Breton is traditionally “Beurre demi-sel,” which is a lightly salted butter that adds a unique flavor and depth to the cake.
To make the Gâteau Breton, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, you will need to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, you will slowly add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Next, you will incorporate the flour and salt into the mixture, making sure not to overmix the batter. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly sticky to the touch.
Once the batter is ready, it is then pressed into a buttered cake tin and scored with a fork in a decorative pattern. This not only gives the cake a lovely appearance but also helps it to cook evenly. The Gâteau Breton is then baked in the oven until golden brown and cooked through.
The Gâteau Breton is a versatile cake that can be enjoyed on its own, or with a variety of accompaniments. It is especially delicious when topped with whipped cream, fruits, or even a dollop of salted caramel sauce. It also pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it the perfect afternoon treat.
In conclusion, the Gâteau Breton is a classic French cake that is simple yet delicious. Its rich, buttery, and crumbly texture is unlike any other cake, and it is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments, the Gâteau Breton is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves good food.
Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour -3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened -3/4 cup granulated sugar -3 egg yolks -1/2 tsp salt -1 egg yolk (for egg wash) -1 tbsp heavy cream (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and continue to mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.
- Once the dough forms, place it in a greased 9-inch (23cm) cake pan and smooth it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp of heavy cream to create the egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash over the top of the dough evenly.
- Using a fork, create a criss-cross pattern on the top of the dough to create a traditional gâteau breton look.
- Bake the gâteau breton for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Let cool completely before serving. Enjoy!