East African Mille Crêpes Cake

Ingredients

In this East African adaptation of the Gâteau mille crêpes, we infuse the traditional French crêpes with East African spices to create a unique flavor profile. The original recipe typically uses sweet ingredients such as vanilla and pastry cream, whereas our version incorporates savory spices commonly found in East African cuisine. This fusion of flavors adds an exciting twist to the classic French dessert, making it a delightful cross-cultural creation. We alse have the original recipe for Gâteau mille crêpes, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (950ml) milk 4 cups (950ml) milk
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Butter, for greasing the pan Butter, for greasing the pan

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, salt, and all the East African spices until smooth.
2. 2.
   Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
3. 3.
   Pour a ladleful of the crêpe batter into the pan, swirling it around to evenly coat the bottom.
4. 4.
   Cook the crêpe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to brown, then flip it over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Transfer the cooked crêpe to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
6. 6.
   Once all the crêpes are cooked, let them cool completely.
7. 7.
   To assemble the cake, place one crêpe on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of the East African spice mixture on top.
8. 8.
   Repeat the process, layering the crêpes and spice mixture until you run out of crêpes.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the top of the cake with honey for a touch of sweetness.
10. 10.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. 11.
    Slice and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before using them in the batter to ensure better incorporation with the other ingredients.
• Milk — You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as cow's milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
• East African spices — Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preferences. You can also add or omit spices based on availability and personal preference.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey to enhance the flavor of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve thin and delicate crêpes, make sure the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
• Let the crêpes cool completely before assembling the cake to prevent them from sticking together.
• Refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the layers to set.
• Serve the cake chilled for the best texture and taste.
• Feel free to experiment with different East African spices to create your own unique flavor combination.

Serving advice

Slice the East African Mille Crêpes Cake into elegant portions and serve it as a delightful dessert after a flavorful East African meal. Pair it with a cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance the overall experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the East African Mille Crêpes Cake with a sprinkle of ground spices or a drizzle of honey for an attractive presentation. You can also decorate the serving plate with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance.