Napoleon Cake, also known as Mille-feuille in French, is one of the most beloved European desserts. This classic pastry is made of buttery, flaky puff pastry layered with rich custard cream or whipped cream, and sometimes fresh fruits or jam. While its exact origin is still debated, the cake has been a symbol of indulgence in French patisseries for centuries.
A Brief History of Napoleon Cake
The French name mille-feuille translates to “a thousand leaves,” referring to the countless delicate layers of puff pastry. The earliest recipes appeared in the 17th century, though it was in the 19th century that the dessert became widely popular in France.
Interestingly, despite the name “Napoleon,” the cake has no confirmed link to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Some food historians believe the name may have been derived from Napolitain (Neapolitan), referring to its Italian influence. Over time, the name evolved into “Napoleon.” Today, variations of the cake can be found across the world, from Russia’s custard-heavy version to modern interpretations filled with fruits, chocolate, or flavored creams.
What Makes a Napoleon Cake Special?
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Flaky puff pastry layers – Golden, crisp, and buttery.
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Smooth custard cream or pastry cream – Balanced sweetness and velvety texture.
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Optional additions – Fresh fruits, whipped cream, jams, or even chocolate.
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Elegant finish – Typically dusted with powdered sugar or decorated with icing patterns.
This combination of textures—crispy pastry with creamy filling—makes every bite both light and decadent.
Strawberry Napoleon Cake Recipe
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a fruity twist on the traditional Napoleon Cake:
Ingredients
For Puff Pastry:
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160 g cake flour
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80 g water
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15 g unsalted butter
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½ tsp salt
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95 g unsalted butter (for layering)
For Custard Cream (Pastry Cream):
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2 egg yolks
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50 g sugar
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10 g cake flour
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10 g cornstarch
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200 g milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
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Fresh strawberries, halved
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Powdered sugar, as needed
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
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Mix flour, water, butter, and salt into a soft dough. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the layering butter: flatten cold butter between parchment paper into a thin sheet, then chill.
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Roll the dough into a square, place the butter in the center, and fold the corners over it.
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Roll out into a rectangle, fold into quarters (“book fold”), and refrigerate 15–20 minutes. Repeat this folding process three times, chilling between folds.
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Roll out the final dough to 0.3 cm thick. Trim edges into a rectangle, prick with a fork, and rest 30 minutes.
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Bake at 200 °C (392 °F) for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Custard Cream
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In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with cornstarch, flour, and 1 tbsp milk.
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In a saucepan, heat milk with sugar until boiling. Slowly whisk into egg mixture.
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Strain back into the saucepan, add vanilla, and cook over medium heat while whisking until thickened.
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Chill until cold and set.
Step 3: Assemble the Napoleon Cake
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Cut baked puff pastry into equal rectangles or squares.
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Pipe or spread custard cream onto one pastry layer. Add sliced strawberries.
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Add a second pastry layer, spread cream, and repeat with strawberries.
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Place the final pastry layer on top. Dust generously with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Enjoy immediately for the best texture—the puff pastry is at its crispiest and the cream at its silkiest.
Pro Tips for Baking Napoleon Cake
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Always use cold butter for puff pastry; it helps create distinct flaky layers.
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Allow resting time between folds—this prevents the butter from melting into the dough.
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Assemble just before serving. Napoleon cake is best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry can soften if stored too long.
Final Thoughts
Napoleon Cake is a true masterpiece of pastry art. Whether you stick to the traditional mille-feuille with custard or try fruity versions like strawberry, this dessert never fails to impress. The balance of crisp pastry and smooth cream makes it perfect for celebrations, tea parties, or whenever you crave a sophisticated treat.
At Chefco, we provide the professional baking tools and equipment you need—whether it’s rolling pins, baking sheets, or mixers—to help you achieve bakery-level results right in your kitchen. Make your Napoleon Cake a success with the right gear and a touch of patience!
