Pastís Andorrà

Pastís Andorrà

Pastís Andorrà (pahs-TEES ahn-doh-RAH)

Andorran Layer Cake

Prep Time 45 min
📈 Difficulty Hard
👥 Servings
10
🔥 Calories 382 kcal

A festive layered cake filled with pastry cream and seasonal mountain berries, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. This elegant Andorran dessert is the centerpiece of birthdays and celebrations throughout the principality.

Nutrition & Info

380 kcal per serving
Protein 7.0g
Carbs 48.0g
Fat 18.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

2 round cake pans electric mixer saucepan

Presentation Guide

Vessel: cake stand or plate

Garnishes: powdered sugar, fresh berries

Accompaniments: whipped cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two 23cm round cake pans. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat yolks with sugar until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Add vanilla.

  2. 2

    Fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture in three additions. Then fold in the beaten egg whites gently in three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.

  3. 3

    Divide the batter between the two pans and bake for 25-28 minutes until golden and springy. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

  4. 4

    Make the pastry cream: heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming. Whisk yolks with sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Pour hot milk gradually into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly.

  5. 5

    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until very thick. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Refrigerate until completely cold.

  6. 6

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the pastry cream over it, then arrange half the berries on the cream. Place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently.

  7. 7

    Spread the remaining pastry cream on top and arrange the remaining berries decoratively. Dust generously with powdered sugar through a fine sieve. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the layers set.

💡

Did You Know?

Andorran bakeries each have their own signature version of pastís andorrà, and families develop fierce loyalties to their preferred baker. Switching bakeries for a birthday cake is considered mildly scandalous.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • 2 round cake pans
  • electric mixer
  • saucepan

Garnishing

powdered sugar, fresh berries

Accompaniments

whipped cream

The Story Behind Pastís Andorrà

The Andorran layer cake developed in the nineteenth century when refined European baking techniques reached the principality through French and Spanish influence.

Unlike the heavier, butter-rich cakes of northern Europe, the Andorran version emphasizes light sponge layers and fresh pastry cream, reflecting the Mediterranean approach to dessert.

Today pastís andorrà is the default celebration cake in Andorra, ordered from local bakeries for birthdays, name days, and special occasions throughout the year.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed birthdays, celebrations 📜 Origins: 19th century

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!