When you think of French history, the image of Marie Antoinette and her decadent lifestyle may come to mind. While infamous for her lavish spending and detachment from the struggles of the French people, she also left a legacy in the culinary world with her love for sweets, including the iconic Marie Antoinette Cake.
The History Behind the Cake
The Marie Antoinette Cake, also known as the gâteau à la crème de noisette, was created by the royal chef of Marie Antoinette, who was known for her love of pastries and desserts. The cake was made with ground hazelnuts, almond flour, and a custard filling, all topped with a light whipped cream frosting.
The cake became a symbol of the French aristocracy's extravagance and excess, with its expensive ingredients and intricate decoration. It was even rumored that Marie Antoinette famously declared "Let them eat cake" when she was told the French people were starving and had no bread to eat.
The Cake's Resurgence
Despite its controversial history, the Marie Antoinette Cake has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States. Its delicate flavors and elegant presentation make it a favorite for special occasions and high-end events.
Many pastry chefs have put their own spin on the classic recipe, adding modern touches such as edible flowers and decorative sugar work. However, the essence of the cake remains the same, a tribute to the luxurious and indulgent lifestyle of the French aristocracy.
How to Make the Cake
If you're feeling inspired to try your hand at making the Marie Antoinette Cake, here's a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the ground hazelnuts and almond flour, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Place one of the cake layers on a serving platter and spread half of the whipped cream over the top.
- Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
- Decorate the cake with edible flowers or other decorations, as desired.
- Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.
In Conclusion
The Marie Antoinette Cake may have a controversial past, but it remains a beloved dessert that continues to inspire pastry chefs around the world. Whether you're enjoying a slice at a high-end restaurant or making your own at home, this iconic cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.