Croissant Surprise Birthday Cake

Croissant Surprise Birthday Cake

From Stonesoup
serves 6-8

This cake is every bit as delicious as it looks – maybe more so. When I was editing the photos just now, I had a strong urge to bake it again even though I should be packing and writing to you. It’s that good (if I do say so myself). If you’re wondering about the ‘surprise’ it’s all about a hidden layer of rich dark chocolate.

600mL (2.5 cups) whipping cream (35% milk fat)
3 eggs
100g (3.5oz) sugar
3 large croissants
small handful dark chocolate, broken into chunks

1. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Line the base and sides of a loaf pan 24cm x 12cm (approx 9.5in x 5in) with baking paper.

2. Combine cream, eggs and sugar in a large bowl.

3. Slice croissants into rounds about 1cm (1/2in) thick. Add to the cream mixture and stand for a few minutes allowing the croissants to soak up the custard.

4. Layer half the soaked croissants in the prepared loaf pan. Scatter over the chocolate.

5. Layer remaining croissants over the top and pour any leftover custard on top.

6. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the cake is well browned and you can’t see any liquid custard when you press on the top. Cool in the tin.

Variations

diary-free – replace the croissants with about 8 thick slices of bread and replace the cream with coconut cream.

milk chocolate – I love the dark chocolate version but I’m happy to report that it’s also lovely, if a little sweeter using milk chocolate.

vegan/ egg-free – Sorry! The eggs are really needed for texture and flavour here.

vanilla / chocolate-free – skip the chocolate and add the seeds of 1 vanilla bean to the cream mixture.

boozy – replace some of the cream with Baileys.

individual – divide mixture between 4-5 large ramekins. Should only take 15-20 minutes to bake.

gluten-free – replace croissants with sliced GF bread or just serve chocolate chunks with vanilla ice cream.

short on time – serve chocolate croissants with ice cream instead.

paleo (grain, legume & dairy-free) – serve dark chocolate or fresh fruit + coconut yoghurt instead.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

whipping cream, croissants – freeze.

eggs – will keep in th fridge for a month or so. Or use for another meal.

sugar, chocolate – pantry.