Gâteau Saint Honoré – Classic French Celebration Cake

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Light, airy, and elegantly decadent, Gâteau Saint Honoré is a showstopper of French pastry art. Every bite brings together layers of texture — flaky pastry, crisp choux puffs, silky pastry cream, and soft whipped topping — into one truly luxurious dessert.

This Gâteau Saint Honoré Recipe blends flaky puff pastry, crisp cream puffs, rich pastry cream, and luscious whipped cream into one luxurious dessert. If you love French-inspired baking that feels impressive but approachable, you might also enjoy our Peach Flaugnarde, a simpler but equally beautiful celebration of classic French flavors.

Named after Saint Honoré, the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs, this cake is traditionally served at special celebrations and festive gatherings across France. And if you’re looking for a sweet and creamy companion to serve alongside, our French Vanilla Ice Cream offers a light, refreshing finish to a rich dessert table.

✅ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours + chilling
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Difficulty: Advanced

🧾 Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Base:

• 1 sheet (250g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen

For the Choux Pastry (Cream Puffs):

• ½ cup (120ml) water
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1¼ cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

For the Caramel (for Gluing Cream Puffs):

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) water

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the Puff Pastry Base:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry into a 10-inch (25cm) circle. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the surface with a fork.
3. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed. Set aside to cool.

Make the Choux Pastry:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water, milk, butter, and salt to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Return to heat and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball.
3. Let cool slightly, then beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
4. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe 1-inch (2.5cm) mounds onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden. Cool completely.

Make the Pastry Cream:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming.
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
3. Gradually add the hot milk to the yolk mixture, then return to the saucepan and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in vanilla. Cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream:

1. Beat the cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Gâteau Saint Honoré:

1. Make caramel by boiling sugar and water until golden. Carefully dip the bottoms of the cream puffs into the caramel and stick them around the edge of the puff pastry base.
2. Fill the center of the cake with pastry cream.
3. Pipe whipped cream decoratively over the top and between the cream puffs.

📌 Notes

• Be cautious with caramel — it’s very hot. Dip quickly and carefully.
• Fill cream puffs just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Pastry cream and choux pastry can be made a day ahead and assembled fresh.

🔄 Variations & Add-ons

• Add a splash of rum or Grand Marnier to the pastry cream for a richer flavor.
• Fill the cream puffs with chocolate pastry cream or praline cream instead of vanilla.
• Garnish with spun sugar for an even more spectacular finish.

🥄 Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 7g

🌍 The Story Behind Gâteau Saint Honoré

This famous French dessert was created in the 19th century by a Parisian baker to honor Saint Honoré, the patron saint of bakers.

The combination of airy choux pastry, flaky puff pastry, and luscious cream fillings showcases all the skills of a master pâtissier.

It remains a traditional centerpiece for grand celebrations, birthdays, and even culinary school graduations.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Gâteau Saint Honoré immediately after assembling for the freshest texture.

It pairs beautifully with a light glass of champagne, coffee, or a delicate French dessert wine.

Keep the cake chilled if not serving right away, and consume within 24 hours for best flavor and structure.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes — bake the puff pastry base and cream puffs and prepare the pastry cream a day ahead.

How long will the assembled cake last?
Best enjoyed within 24 hours once assembled.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely — good quality store-bought puff pastry saves time and still gives great results.

✨ Final Thoughts

Gâteau Saint Honoré offers a magnificent medley of textures and flavors that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

It’s the ultimate baking project for pastry lovers and a guaranteed centerpiece for your next special gathering.