Milk Cake
Milk cake is a rich and creamy dessert cherished in both Indian and British baking traditions. This delightful treat combines simple ingredients to create a soft, flavorful cake infused with a sweet milk mixture. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will guide you through traditional techniques and tips to achieve the perfect texture.
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9x13-inch baking pan (22x33 cm)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Sifter
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- Cake Base:
- 5 large eggs separated into yolks and whites
- 450 g granulated sugar divided: 250g + 200g
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- 57 g unsalted butter melted
- Milk Mixture:
- 300 ml evaporated milk
- 397 g sweetened condensed milk
- 250 ml whole milk
- Flavor Enhancements Optional:
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- Garnishes:
- Whipped cream for topping
- Fresh berries
- Roasted pistachios
- Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 250g sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk to the yolk mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 200g sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter to maintain airiness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 2: Preparing the Milk Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. Stir well.
- Step 3: Soaking and Setting the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork to poke small holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Step 4: Decorating and Serving
- Before serving, top the cake with a layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh berries, roasted pistachios, and a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
- Slice and enjoy!