Crepe Cake

Preparation

1. Make the crêpes

   Step 1

   Combine the cake flour, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, orange zest, salt, and orange liqueur (if using) in a blender on low speed for 10 seconds. Increase the speed to medium for 10 seconds, then stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom. Blend on medium speed an additional 10 seconds. Let the batter rest, covered, at room temperature for 1 hour or in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

   Step 2

   Heat a 9- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. When the skillet is hot, brush it lightly with melted butter. (You’ll know the skillet is hot enough because the butter will sizzle and dance around the skillet.)

   Step 3

   Measure a scant ¼ cup of batter in the center of the skillet. Pick up the skillet by the handle and swirl in a circular motion so that the batter coats the bottom in an even layer, avoiding hitting the sides of the skillet (the batter will start to set immediately, so swirl quickly). It’s okay if there are a few spots that the batter doesn’t get to before it sets—just leave it be.

   Step 4

   Cook until the crêpe starts to brown around the edges and the bottom side is set, about 90 seconds. Use a spatula to loosen the edges, following the circumference of the crêpe. Then, carefully slide the spatula under the crêpe and flip. (If you’re having a hard time flipping, let the crêpe cook a little longer.) It’s okay if the crêpe folds on itself as you flip—just straighten it out.

   Step 5

   Cook on the other side until the crêpe is golden, about 60 seconds. Shake the skillet back and forth, then slide the crêpe out of the skillet onto a plate. Keep cooking and stacking, one crêpe on top of the next, adding more butter to the pan as needed. Continue until all the crêpes are cooked. (If you notice the crêpes getting darker and crisper as you cook, turn the heat down a notch.)

2. Make the cake

   Step 6

   Place 2 cups of the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl (if using a hand mixer). Whip on medium until soft peaks form, about 6 minutes. Fold the whipped cream into the cheat pastry cream until combined and smooth.

   Step 7

   Place a single crêpe on a cake plate or cake board. Measure a scant ¹⁄³ cup of the filling onto the crêpe and use a small, offset spatula or a butter knife to smooth it into an even layer. Place the next crêpe on top and continue layering until you are out of filling (you will have several crêpes left over, which are perfect for snacking while the cake chills).

   Step 8

   Wrap the cake in plastic and refrigerate for at least 6 hours so the filling can set.

   Step 9

   When ready to serve, whip the remaining ½ cup heavy cream in the bowl of the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until medium-stiff peaks form. Dollop the whipped cream on top of the cake. Slice and serve like a traditional layered cake.