Layer Cake: A Family Tradition Reimagined

At Amsterdam Pâtisserie, our layer cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of tradition, inspired by the treasured family recipes of our co-founder, Marine, and reimagined with the creativity of our pâtissier, Nicolas. Each bite tells a story of warmth, family, and French heritage—a story that began long before our patisserie opened its doors in Amsterdam.

The heart of this cake is its génoise, a classic sponge that Marine learned to make from her grandmother. Sunday mornings at her grandmother’s house were filled with the soft aroma of this sponge, baked to golden perfection and often dipped in jam—strawberry or apricot, depending on the season. This memory of airy génoise paired with the rich sweetness of jam is woven into every layer of our cake. It’s a homage to those cherished Sunday moments, brought to life with ingredients and care that honor the original.

But our layer cake is also a nod to Marine’s mother and her tradition of making a festive "Bûche de Noël". The key to her mother’s holiday dessert was a mascarpone cream, whipped until light and silky, adding a delicate richness to balance the sweetness of the cake. Nicolas has reinterpreted this element with his own touch: a mascarpone frosting that envelops each layer in smooth, airy softness, adding a unique lightness that lets the flavors of the cake shine. This frosting pairs beautifully with the tender crumb of the génoise, creating a perfect harmony between richness and delicacy.

For those who enjoy fresh, fruity notes, the vanilla-strawberry variety brings the essence of Marine’s childhood memories to life, capturing the joy of dipping génoise into strawberry jam. For those seeking a bolder option, the chocolate-blackcurrant pairing balances deep, rich cocoa with the subtle tartness of blackcurrant—a combination that’s both sophisticated and comforting. To complete the presentation, Marine finishes each cake with a buttercream decoration: either a velvety chocolate buttercream or one infused with homemade strawberry purée.

Every element is crafted with intention, blending the warmth of Marine’s family recipes with Nicolas’ expertise. Whether you choose vanilla-strawberry or chocolate-blackcurrant, this cake is more than just dessert; it’s a tribute to the flavors and stories that brought it to life.