Gâteau Breton, with its beautiful golden crust and rich, buttery flavor, is a classic French treat that’s easier to make than you might think. Hailing from the Brittany region of France, this rustic cake is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, but it’s delicious any time of day. Imagine biting into a slice of this dense, crumbly cake, with the subtle sweetness of sugar perfectly complementing the buttery richness. Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Brittany? Let’s bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To create your own Gâteau Breton masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 7 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp rum or brandy (optional, for flavor)
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash
Tools of the Trade:
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Baking Guide:
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Preparing the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the tart pan generously with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Combining Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
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Incorporating the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Stir in the rum or brandy, if using.
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Bringing It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
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Ready for the Oven: Transfer the batter into the prepared tart pan and spread evenly using a spatula. With the back of a spoon or your fingers, create a slight indentation in the center of the cake. Brush the top with the egg wash, creating a beautiful golden glaze.
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Baking to Perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center of the cake should spring back to the touch when lightly pressed.
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Cooling and Serving: Let the Gâteau Breton cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter is crucial for creating a smooth, well-emulsified batter. This ensures that the fat distributes evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Egg Wash for a Golden Glaze: Brushing the top with an egg wash not only gives the cake a beautiful golden color but also adds a subtle richness to the crust.
Presentation Is Key:
Dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant look. You can also get creative and decorate it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Gâteau Breton is traditionally cut into wedges and served at room temperature, but you can warm it up slightly for a more comforting treat.
Whole Gâteau Breton
FAQs About Making Gâteau Breton:
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter in a pinch, it’s best to stick to unsalted butter for this recipe. This allows you to control the salt content, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.
Q: Can I freeze Gâteau Breton?
A: Absolutely! This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for rum or brandy?
A: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of milk or water. The cake will still be delicious without it.
Slice of Gâteau Breton
A Taste of France in Every Bite:
Making Gâteau Breton at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a rewarding taste of French baking tradition. Share this delicious treat with your loved ones and impress them with your baking skills. Happy baking!
Don’t forget to share your baking experiences and photos with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you! For more delightful recipes and baking adventures, explore the rest of our website. You’ll find a treasure trove of culinary inspiration waiting for you.
