You know how after traveling for a while you really crave home? The ordinary things, like being able to sleep in your own bed and cook for yourself? By the end of our Eurotrip, I even missed bootcamp (so happy I love working out) and my business. With every city we left, I was sad to go yet ready to move on.
And now I miss those daily pastries, al fresco drinks in the middle of the day and long long walks. Guess what? I can still get away with doing all 3! 
I really should sometime…
Last month I was asked for a Russian Napoleon cake recipe so I immediately emailed my mom and set up a date for us to make it. I’m good like that (also I really like cake). It’s actually originally a French dessert (Russian food has a lot of French influences) but the traditional Russian version seems to be a bit easier (although it has 4 layers vs 2) and has a bit of a different look. With using store-bought puff pastry dough, the whole thing comes together in a cinch and will be gobbled up even quicker! That’s a fact. [See how the styled photos are only of a few tiny pieces? Yeah, that’s because that’s all that was left! Too good.]
So what’s a Russian Napoleon cake? It’s pretty much 4 layers of puff pastry layered with custard cream (creme patissiere). Bake the puff pastry according to instructions on the package, make the custard cream (eggs, milk, sugar, flour, butter) and then layer the two. Easy!
The last piece of puff pastry gets crumbled to create this fun topping:
Let the whole thing stand in the fridge overnight so the puff pastry softens a bit from the custard and the layers really meld together. The result is a cool, creamy, buttery dessert that’s unbelievably addictive!
I want a piece right now!!
Do you ever miss home while on vacation? Ever had Napoleon cake? It’s gooooood; I hope you try it! 
I haven’t had a Napoleon in so long. You’ve given me the incentive to whip one up!
Do it!
I am the WORST to go on vacation with because I absolutely start to crave home and my normal routine within days. So I totally get it.
Italians have a version of this also and it’s amazing. I’m so impressed that you made it yourself! I’ve always considered it to be one of those un-makeable things but I suppose not!
I thought it was too but then if you buy the puff pastry, all you really need to do is make the custard and assemble. We all can handle that
Help I can’t get the link to work and I want to make this ASAP it looks wonderful!
Sorry Debi, it was my mistake. Should be all working now. Let me know how it goes!! https://sites.google.com/site/russianbitesrecipes/russian-napoleon-cake?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1
I’ve never seen anything like this!
It’s like a fluffy, fancy eclaire cake! (jello pudding between layers of cinnamon graham crackers topped with chocolate frosting). Looks DIVINE! I’d top with berries I think
This looks fabulous! I love the custard filling.
o wow. why did i decide to check out your site before lunch? not only am i salivating, but i’m trying to figure out where i can get ( a store bought version of ) this thing in a 5 block radius from my work… looks AH-mazing
Hi! This looks delicious once again.. Cannot wait to try it! I love all your recipes, they have been a big inspiration to me so far. I have a blog of my own that is all about living a healthy life. Feel free to visit and if you like it, I would be honored if you would tell your readers too! Kind Regards, Oscar from obeyyourlifestyle.blogspot.com
Wow this looks scrumptious! We would love to add a drizzle of chocolate to this. Does the puff pastry hold for more than a day in the refrigerator?
Yes, it lasts several days in the fridge.