Discover the Delight of Plum Karpatka in BA Bake Club's Latest Podcast

In the latest episode of Bon Appétit’s Bake Club podcast, senior Test Kitchen editor Jesse Szewyczk finally shares a recipe he’s been perfecting for six years: the Polish dessert known as Karpatka, or Plum Cream Puff Cake. Known as the 'drag queen of Polish desserts,' this elaborate cake combines Szewyczk's American twist with a rich nod to his heritage.

Co-host Shilpa Uskokovic joins Szewyczk to explore the intricacies of this charming dessert. "I’ve made every component before, but I just haven’t arranged the puzzle pieces in this fashion," Szewyczk reveals, underscoring the beauty of baking as a creative process. The duo emphasizes that even novice bakers can assemble this dessert by using building blocks learned from previous Bake Club recipes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Karpatka

The episode walks listeners through the complex yet rewarding process of crafting the dessert, starting with a homemade plum compote. Szewyczk explains that the plums, cooked with sugar and vanilla, create a perfect filling that adds a seasonal touch. As the compote cools, bakers prepare a pâte à choux, which forms the cake's base.

Listeners are guided through each step, from simmering butter and water to baking the choux pastries until they puff dramatically. The final assembly involves layering the no-bake cheesecake filling with the plum jam between two choux discs, resulting in a cake that can be enjoyed at any occasion, especially during holidays.

Special Guest and Community Engagement

The episode also features a surprise visit from Ruby Bhogal, a finalist from The Great British Baking Show, who discusses her new book, "Around The World in 80 Cakes," which includes a karpatka recipe. This episode not only serves as a tutorial but also fosters community among bakers who share their creations and queries, making Bake Club a welcoming space for culinary exploration.

Source: www.bonappetit.com