Cream Tart Number Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Showstopper

Cream tart number cakes have taken the baking world by storm, and for good reason! These elegant and personalized desserts are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any special milestone, a cream tart number cake is guaranteed to impress. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating your own show-stopping cream tart number cake, from preparing the biscuit base to assembling and decorating the final masterpiece.

## What is a Cream Tart Number Cake?

A cream tart number cake, also known as a number biscuit cake or alphabet cake, is a layered dessert featuring a crisp, cookie-like base cut into the shape of a number or letter. The layers are then filled with a light and airy cream and adorned with an array of delightful toppings, such as fresh fruits, macarons, meringues, flowers, chocolate, and sprinkles.

The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility. You can customize the shape, flavor, cream filling, and decorations to perfectly match the occasion and the recipient’s preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is divided into three main components: the biscuit base, the cream filling, and the decorations.

### Biscuit Base

* **All-purpose flour:** 300g (2 1/2 cups), plus extra for dusting
* **Unsalted butter:** 150g (2/3 cup), cold and cubed
* **Powdered sugar:** 100g (1 cup)
* **Egg yolk:** 1 large
* **Vanilla extract:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon

### Cream Filling

* **Heavy cream:** 500ml (2 cups), cold
* **Mascarpone cheese:** 250g (1 cup), cold
* **Powdered sugar:** 50-75g (1/4 – 1/2 cup), adjust to taste
* **Vanilla extract:** 1 teaspoon (optional)

### Decorations (Get creative! Here are some suggestions)

* **Fresh fruits:** Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), kiwi, grapes, etc.
* **Macarons:** Assorted flavors and colors
* **Meringues:** Small and colorful
* **Chocolate:** Chocolate shavings, chocolate-covered strawberries, mini chocolate bars
* **Flowers:** Edible flowers or small, non-toxic flowers (make sure they are properly cleaned and prepared)
* **Sprinkles:** Assorted colors and shapes
* **Edible glitter:** For a touch of sparkle
* **Nuts:** Chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts
* **Candies:** Small candies and chocolates

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large mixing bowl**
* **Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)**
* **Rolling pin**
* **Parchment paper**
* **Number templates (printed or homemade)**
* **Sharp knife or pizza cutter**
* **Baking sheet**
* **Piping bag**
* **Piping tip (round or star tip)**
* **Spatula**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your stunning cream tart number cake.

### Part 1: Preparing the Biscuit Base

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. **Add the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pieces of butter remaining, as this will create a flaky texture.
3. **Add the egg yolk and vanilla:** Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuit base tough. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until it comes together.
4. **Form the dough into a disc:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, resulting in a less sticky and easier-to-handle dough.
5. **Prepare your number templates:** While the dough is chilling, print out or create your number templates. You can easily find number templates online or draw them yourself on parchment paper. Make sure the numbers are the desired size for your cake. Remember that you’ll need two of each number for a double-layered cake.
6. **Roll out the dough:** Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour a clean work surface. Divide the dough in half. Keep one half refrigerated while you work with the other. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness. If the dough sticks to the surface, add a little more flour.
7. **Cut out the numbers:** Place your number template on top of the rolled-out dough. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut around the template to create the number shape. Remove the excess dough.
8. **Transfer to baking sheet:** Gently transfer the cut-out number to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, ensuring you have two of each number.
9. **Chill the cut-out numbers:** Place the baking sheet with the cut-out numbers in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This will help prevent the numbers from spreading during baking.
10. **Preheat oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. **Bake:** Bake the number biscuits for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
12. **Cool completely:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the number biscuits cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they will be more sturdy and less likely to break.

### Part 2: Making the Cream Filling

1. **Chill your equipment:** Make sure your heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, and mixing bowl are all thoroughly chilled. This is essential for achieving a stable and fluffy whipped cream.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In the chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and mascarpone cheese.
3. **Beat until soft peaks form:** Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Add powdered sugar and vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your desired sweetness. Add the vanilla extract (if using) and beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
5. **Transfer to piping bag:** Transfer the cream filling to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip. This will make it easier to pipe the cream evenly onto the biscuit base.

### Part 3: Assembling and Decorating the Cake

1. **Prepare your workspace:** Have all your decorations ready and within easy reach. This will make the assembly process smoother.
2. **Pipe the cream filling:** Place one of the number biscuits on a serving plate or cake board. Using the piping bag, pipe small dollops or swirls of cream filling all over the surface of the biscuit. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
3. **Add the second layer:** Gently place the second number biscuit on top of the cream filling. Press down lightly to secure it.
4. **Pipe more cream filling:** Pipe another layer of cream filling on top of the second number biscuit, following the same pattern as before.
5. **Decorate:** Now comes the fun part! Get creative and decorate your cream tart number cake with your chosen toppings. Arrange the fruits, macarons, meringues, chocolate, flowers, sprinkles, nuts, and candies in a visually appealing way. There are no rules here, so let your imagination run wild!
6. **Chill before serving:** Once you’ve finished decorating, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the cream filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together.

## Tips for Success

* **Use cold ingredients:** Using cold butter, heavy cream, and mascarpone cheese is crucial for achieving the best results. Cold butter will prevent the biscuit base from spreading, and cold cream will whip up more easily.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough biscuit base. Mix only until the dough comes together.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, making it easier to handle and preventing it from spreading during baking.
* **Bake until lightly golden brown:** Bake the number biscuits until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. This will ensure they are fully cooked and have a crisp texture.
* **Don’t overbeat the cream:** Overbeating the cream can cause it to curdle. Beat until stiff peaks form, but be careful not to go too far.
* **Get creative with decorations:** The beauty of this cake is its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different decorations and create a cake that is truly unique.
* **Chill before serving:** Chilling the cake before serving allows the cream filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Flavor variations:** Experiment with different flavors in the biscuit base by adding lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract. You can also add cocoa powder for a chocolate biscuit base.
* **Cream filling variations:** Try different flavor combinations in the cream filling, such as lemon cream, raspberry cream, or chocolate cream. You can also add a layer of jam or curd between the biscuit layers.
* **Shape variations:** Instead of numbers, you can create letters, hearts, stars, or any other shape you desire.
* **Dietary adaptations:** For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use a vegan butter substitute and a vegan cream alternative.

## Serving and Storage

* **Serving:** Serve the cream tart number cake chilled. It is best enjoyed on the day it is made, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Storage:** Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The biscuit base may soften slightly over time, but the cake will still be delicious.

## Conclusion

Creating a cream tart number cake may seem daunting at first, but with this detailed guide and a little patience, you can bake a truly stunning and delicious dessert. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills! This personalized cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any celebration and will create lasting memories. Happy baking!