A Bavarian Slice: Decadent German Dessert Delights Explained

A Bavarian slice is a cream cake consisting of a thick layer of custard sandwiched between two slices of puff pastry. The top layer of pastry is decorated with sweet icing and the cake may also include jam and fresh raspberries.

A Bavarian Slice is a type of cake

Bavarian Slices are often assembled in a high-sided baking tray, like a brownie pan, to achieve a smooth finish. However, they can also be assembled individually for a more homemade appearance. The slices are best stored in an airtight container in a cool place.

Bavarian Slices are considered a delicious teatime treat and are loved by anyone who has tried them. They are a popular choice for celebrations and get-togethers and can be easily purchased online or from bakeries.

It is similar to a custard slice

A Bavarian slice is a cream cake that combines flaky puff pastry, plenty of vanilla cream or custard, layers of jam, and a thick soft icing layer on top. It is similar to a custard slice in that they both consist of a sandwich of thick creamy custard between two pieces of crispy puff pastry, and are decorated with a sweet icing on the upper pastry surface.

However, the Bavarian slice is considered more indulgent and "posher" than the custard slice. While the custard slice has a layer of jam beneath a creamier filling, the Bavarian slice has additional layers of vanilla cream and icing. The icing on a Bavarian slice is usually finished with a classic feathering pattern.

Both custard and Bavarian slices are often assembled in a high-sided baking tray, like a brownie pan, to achieve smooth edges. However, some bakers prefer to assemble each portion of a Bavarian slice individually, allowing for a slightly homemade appearance and the inclusion of fresh raspberries that peek out from the sides.

The custard or cream filling in a Bavarian slice is cooked slowly on the hob until thickened and is typically enriched with butter rather than whipped double cream. The pastry is baked until golden and crisp, and the cooled pastry is trimmed to size, spread with fruity jam, and topped with fresh raspberries before the thick custard is piped on. The second piece of pastry is positioned on top after being iced and decorated with chocolate feathering.

It is made with puff pastry

A Bavarian slice is a cream cake that is made with puff pastry. The puff pastry is assembled in a high-sided baking tray, like a brownie pan, to achieve the classically smooth edges of the slice. The raw pastry is laid onto a baking sheet and weighted down with another tray to prevent it from puffing up before being baked until golden and crisp.

The puff pastry is then trimmed to size, spread with a fruity jam, and topped with fresh raspberries. The thick custard is then piped onto the jam layer. The second piece of pastry is positioned on top once it has been iced and decorated with a chocolate feathering.

The combination of flaky puff pastry, creamy custard, and sweet icing makes the Bavarian Slice a delicious teatime treat. It is also a more indulgent and posh version of the custard slice, with its layer of jam and creamier filling.

It has a custard and cream filling

A Bavarian slice is a cream cake that combines flaky puff pastry with a custard and cream filling. The custard is made on the hob by cooking together cream, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, egg yolks and cornflour until thickened. The cream and custard filling is then sandwiched between two layers of puff pastry. The top layer of pastry is iced with a thick soft icing layer, which is usually finished with a feathering pattern.

The Bavarian slice is similar to a custard slice, but is considered more indulgent and "posher". This is because the Bavarian slice has a layer of jam and fresh raspberries beneath its creamier custard and cream filling. The addition of fresh raspberries also gives the Bavarian slice a slightly more "home-made" appearance.

The pastry base is weighted down with another tray during baking to prevent it from puffing up. The custard is enriched with butter rather than whipped double cream. The pastry is trimmed to size, spread with a fruity jam, and topped with raspberries before the thick custard is piped on. The second piece of pastry is positioned on top once it has been iced and decorated.

The Bavarian slice can be assembled ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in a cool place. To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, the internal faces can be painted with a little melted white chocolate, a technique often used in fruit tarts.

It is decorated with icing

The decoration of a Bavarian slice is the final step in its assembly. The upper pastry surface is decorated with a thick, soft layer of sweet icing. This icing is usually finished with the classic feathering pattern, achieved by dribbling parallel lines of chocolate over the icing and feathering it through with a knife. The chocolate feathering pattern is a signature feature of the Bavarian slice, setting it apart from the simpler custard slice.

The icing and feathering not only add a decorative touch to the pastry but also contribute to the overall taste and texture of the dessert. The sweet icing enhances the indulgent and luxurious experience of the Bavarian slice, making it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.

The process of creating the feathering pattern involves carefully dribbling melted chocolate onto the icing in evenly spaced lines. A small knife is then used to feather the chocolate into the icing, creating a visually appealing design. This technique requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the chocolate is evenly distributed and feathered smoothly into the icing.

The feathering pattern adds a unique touch to each Bavarian slice, making it a delightful treat for both the eyes and the palate. The combination of the creamy custard, flaky pastry, and sweet icing, adorned with the feathering pattern, makes the Bavarian slice a decadent and elegant dessert.

The decoration of the Bavarian slice showcases the baker's skill and attention to detail. It transforms a simple custard slice into a more luxurious and indulgent treat. The feathering pattern has become synonymous with the Bavarian slice, contributing to its popularity and appeal among those who enjoy a sweet and exquisite dessert.

Frequently asked questions