• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cook Well, Eat Well
  • Shop
  • Meet Shinee
  • Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Sweet & Savory

Cook Well, Eat Well

  • New? Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
      • Dips
      • Meat-lovers
    • Desserts
      • Bars & Brownies
      • Cakes
      • Cheesecakes
      • French Macarons
      • Pastries
      • Pies
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Salads
    • Seasonal
      • Summer Favorites
      • Easter
      • Christmas
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Game Day
      • Halloween
      • New Year’s Eve
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine’s Day
  • Easter
  • Discover
    • Ingredients
    • Tools
  • Learn
    • Baking Basics
    • Cooking Basics
    • Advanced Techniques
    • How-To’s
  • Share
    • Seasonal
    • Party Planning 101
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube
    Subscribe To Updates
Home » RECIPE » Desserts » Cakes » 3-Ingredient Napoleon Cake

3-Ingredient Napoleon Cake

Skip to Recipe Print Share
Share on:
By: Shinee Published: 12/21/2020Updated: 6/08/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

Sharing is caring!

273 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

This stunning puff pastry cake is a simplified version of classic Napoleon cake. It’s super easy to make with just 3 ingredients! No baking skills required!

A slice of puff pastry cake on a white plate.
Pin This Recipe For Later!

Table of Contents

  • Why you’ll love this recipe:
  • Ingredients Note:
  • How to make this cake:
  • Storing Tips:
  • 3-Ingredient Napoleon Cake

Why you’ll love this recipe:

This’s totally not an authentic Napoleon cake. But when you don’t have hours to make an authentic version – which is absolute worth it, by the way – this hits the spot just right!

And the unique look of this cake guarantees to “wow” your guests.

It’s not my genius idea. I was inspired by this post on Instagram and I couldn’t wait to try it! And once I tried it, I couldn’t wait to make it again and share it with you all!

I did make one tiny change to the original version. Instead of sweetened condensed milk, I actually used dulce de leche. And let me tell you, it was an amazing twist!!!

Puff pastry cake on a white serving plate.

Ingredients Note:

As mentioned, you need only 3 ingredients, which means each ingredient plays a vital role.

  • Puff pastry – I use frozen puff pastry sheets. Allow it to fully thaw before you start making the cake.
  • Heavy cream – Either heavy cream or heavy whipping cream will work for this recipe. You want it to be at least 33% fat content.
  • Dulce de leche – I use homemade dulce de leche, but store-bought one will works just fine.

How to make this cake:

It’s extremely easy to make this cake, but you do need some ample time for setting, which makes it a perfect make-ahead cake!!

1. Prepare puff pastry

First, we’ll cut puff pastry sheets into thin strips. Then we’ll bake them until nice and golden brown. And watch the magic happen: the flat dough will transform into flaky tubes!

Side by side images of prepare puff pastry sticks.

2. Make the filling

Whisk cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then add dulce de leche and whisk it until smooth.

Side by side images of making dulce de leche whipped cream.

3. Assemble the cake

Finally, it’s time to assemble the cake!! Reserve a few tubes for decoration.

  1. Layer about 8 puff pastry tubes on a plastic wrap, then top with generous amount of filling.
  2. Repeat with layers of puff pastry tubes and filling until you run out of tubes. Cover the entire cake with the remaining filling.
  3. And then tightly wrap the entire cake with a plastic wrap, gently squeezing and forming it into a log.
Side by side images of assembling puff pastry cake.

4. Rest and serve

Now, refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours. This resting allows the filling to seep into the puff pastry layers, transforming the cake into a cohesive medley of flavor and texture!

Before serving, crush the reserved puff pastry sticks and sprinkle all over the cake. And enjoy!

Tip

It’s easier to slice this cake with this bread knife, or any serrated knife.

A slice of puff pastry cake, drizzled with dulce de leche on a white plate.

Storing Tips:

  • This cake is a perfect make-ahead cake. It can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge, covered.
  • Refrigerate leftover for up to 5 days.
  • This puff pastry cake doesn’t freeze well.

Hope you’ll try this indulgent dessert soon! Let me know what you think if you do.

A slice of puff pastry cake on a white plate.

3-Ingredient Napoleon Cake

This stunning puff pastry cake is a simplified version of classic Napoleon cake. It's super easy to make with just 3 ingredients! No baking skills required!
5 from 3 votes
serves: 8 servings
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total : 9 hours
Print
Leave a Review

Ingredients

  • 1 box (1lb/500g) puff pastry sheets Note 1
  • 1 can (14oz/400g) dulce de leche Note 2
  • 2 cups (500ml) heavy whipping cream
Note: I test all my recipes with both measurements for the most precise and accurate result!

Instructions

To prepare the puff pastry:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Unfold thawed puff pastry sheet over lightly floured surface and gently roll it into 15-inch square. Do the same with the 2nd sheet.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry sheets into 3/4-inch thick strips.
  • Arrange the strips on 2-3 baking sheets, lined with parchment paper, or silicone mats.
  • Bake the puff pastry strips for 15 minutes, or until nice and golden brown. (Note: You can bake one sheet at a time. Or bake 2 sheets at a time, rotating the sheets half way.) Cool completely.

To make the filling:

  • Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, whip heavy whipping cream over until soft peaks form, gradually increasing the speed to medium high.
  • Add dulce de leche and beat until well combined on medium high speed, about 1 minute.

To assemble the cake:

  • Line a baking sheet with plastic wrap with long overhang on both sides. Reserve 3-4 puff pastry sticks for topping.
  • Arrange 8-9 puff pastry sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Smear a generous amount of filling over the puff pastry and then arrange another layer of puff pastry sticks followed by the filling. Continue until you run out of the puff pastry sticks. Smear the remaining filling all over the cake.
  • Tightly wrap the entire cake with a plastic wrap, squeezing it lightly and shaping it into a log.
  • Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. (It's absolutely essential to set the cake for that long, so that puff pastry can soak up all the delicious filling!)
  • Crush the reserve puff pastry into fine flakes and sprinkle all over the cake.
  • Drizzle the cake with more dulce de leche, if desired, and serve! (TIP: It's easier to slice the cake with a serrated knife.)

Tips & Notes:

Note 1: I use a box of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry sheets that comes with 2 sheets in one box. Make sure to thaw it before using. It takes about 4-6 hours in the fridge to fully thaw a frozen box of puff pastry sheets.
Note 2: You can buy ready to use dulce de leche, or make it yourself. Here’s how to make homemade dulce de leche.
Storing Tips:
– This cake is a perfect make-ahead cake. It can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store in the fridge, covered.
– Refrigerate leftover for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts:

Serving: 1serving Calories: 518kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 27g (9%) Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 44g (68%) Saturated Fat: 19g (119%) Cholesterol: 82mg (27%) Sodium: 164mg (7%) Potassium: 79mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 875IU (18%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 44mg (4%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Author: Shinee
Course:Dessert
Cuisine:Italian
A slice of puff pastry cake on a white plate.
Did you make this?Show me your creation! Tag me @shineshka and hashtag it #sweetandsavorybyshinee!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Related Recipes

  • Souffle cheesecake on a white plate
    3-Ingredient Souffle Cheesecake
  • The BEST Way To Make Dulce de Leche
  • sliced dulce de leche cheesecake on a white serving platter.
    Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
  • Chocolate cherry cake slice topped with chocolate fudge and maraschino cherry.
    3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Never Miss a Recipe!

Subscribe and receive my FREE Portion Planning Cheat Sheet for Cocktail and Dinner Parties.

Previous Post
Mulled Wine Recipe
Next Post
American Buttercream Recipe

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Laura says

    Posted on 7 March 2022 at 6:15 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for such a nice recipe! Very easy and fast to make. I doubled the amount and just made it like a sheet cake, 4 layered rectangular cake.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 12 March 2022 at 3:30 pm

      Hi, Laura!! Thank you so much for your feedback!!! I love your simplified version!!!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Shinee! I’m so happy you’re here! I believe anyone can cook restaurant-quality food at home! And my goal is to help you to become a confident cook with my easy-to-follow recipes with lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

New? Start Here

Browse Specialties

Main Dishes Side Dishes Appetizers Salads Breads & Pastries Cakes Macarons Drinks Browse All
Portion Planning 101
Free Dinner Party Cheat Sheet
Download Now

Popular Recipes

Yellow and white macarons.

French Macarons for Beginners

Best Prime Rib Roast (Bone-In)

This is the simplest and moistest banana bread - easy to make and yields 2 breads! #bananabread

Best Moist Banana Bread Recipe

A plate full of chocolate chip cookies.

Egg Yolk Cookies

How to Make Homemade Pistachio Paste

sliced plain sponge cake layers

Easy Sponge Cake (3 Ingredient Cake)

Brunch Recipes

Blueberry muffins on a wire rack.

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

a stack of waffles with berries

Waffles Recipe

slices of chocolate banana bread

Chocolate Banana Bread

Strawberry Cheesecake Tart

Smoked salmon quiche with creamy soft custard and fresh asparagus and dill - a perfect brunch for special occasions or a nice light dinner served with fresh green salad. #smokedsalmonquiche #quiche

Smoked Salmon Quiche

Sliced scone with butter and jam.

Foolproof English Scones

Game Day Eats

Cooked bacon jalapeno poppers on a baking sheet.

finger food:

3-Ingredient Jalapeno Poppers

meat:

Beer BBQ Meatballs

Bean dip in a casserole dish with a portion being scooped with a chip.

dip:

3-Ingredient Bean Dip

appetizer:

Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Crackers

sandwich:

Philly Cheese Steak Sliders

dessert:

5-Ingredient Pineapple Cake

Facebook Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Never Miss A Recipe

Subscribe and receive my FREE Portion Planning Cheat!

  • Discover
    • Recipe Index
    • Tools & Gadgets
    • Ingredients
  • Learn
    • Baking Basics
    • Cooking Basics
    • Advanced Techniques
  • Share
    • Holidays
    • Appetizers
    • Party Planning 101
  • Back To Top
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
© 2013-2023 Sweet & Savory Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Exclusive member of Mediavine Food
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe and Receive My FREE Portion Planning Cheat!