Basque Cake with Cranberry Compote

Step 1

Combine the milk and 4 ounces of sugar in a small pot. Gently bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch and remaining 4 ounces of sugar, whisking until smooth. Once the milk comes to a simmer, temper the eggs by slowly pouring a third of the milk into the egg mixture. Whisk to incorporate. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot of milk. Over medium-high heat, continuously whisk the mixture vigorously until it thickens. Do not stop whisking or else it will clump. Once thick, turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla and butter. Pour the pastry cream into a mixing bowl that’s been placed over another bowl of ice water. Let cool slightly. Refrigerate until completely cool, an hour or so.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 10-inch cake pan with butter and set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Blend in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla. Into a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Work in batches to add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly. Increase the speed to fully combine, scraping down the sides as you go.

Step 3

If you have pastry bags, fill one with the pastry cream and one with the cake batter, using a plain tip. Pipe half of the cake batter in a spiral pattern on the bottom of the pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly. Pipe a double layer around the edge of the pan so that the pastry cream does not hit the sides. Pipe the pastry cream inside the outer edge of cake batter until you fill the entire circle. Pipe the remaining cake in a spiral pattern over the top of the filling. Spread evenly. Bake for about an hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing. Gently invert the cake onto a cutting board. Cool completely before slicing.

Step 4

While the cake bakes, combine the cranberries, sugar, cinnamon stick, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat. When the cranberries begin to burst and dissolve, turn the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the mixture is thick and sweet, adding a little water if needed to help it along.

Step 5

Serve a slice of cake room temperature or chilled with a spoonful of cranberry compote on top.