EASTER EGG "HUNT" CAKE

Easter Egg

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories dessert

Time 55m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup toasted ground almonds
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1 miniature rabbit figurine (heat-proof)
2 circles pre-made puff pastry - one 11 inches and one 12 inches in diameter, both chilled
1 egg, whisked together with 1 tablespoon cold water, for egg wash

Steps:

In a large bowl whip the butter with a hand mixer until completely smooth. Add sugar and "cream" them together until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add the egg and the egg yolk and mix until blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything is being integrated. Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a spatula to fold in the almonds, flour, almond extract, vanilla extract and orange liqueur. Stir until thoroughly combined. Stir the rabbit figurine into the filling.
Place the 11-inch round circle of puff pastry flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry brush to brush the edge with the egg wash. Put the filling in an even mound in the center of the round leaving the edge clean. Gently lift the 12-inch round and place it over the filling and the bottom round so the edges match up. Press down on all of the edges so the egg wash acts as a glue to stick the top and bottom together. Using the tines of a fork, "crimp" around the edges to seal the top shut. Brush the top with any remaining egg wash.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the cake in the refrigerator to firm up slightly as the oven heats, about 15 minutes. Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.