Quick and Easy Cake: Perfect Treat for Tea Time

Ingredients

Cake

5 eggs
Pinch of salt
150 grams (5.3 ounces) sugar
150 grams (5.3 ounces) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream

200 grams (7 ounces) butter
380 grams (13.5 ounces) caramelized condensed milk
100 grams (3.5 ounces) walnuts

Decoration

1 bar of milk or dark chocolate
50 milliliters (1.7 ounces) milk
Crushed cookies for the sides

Equipment

Electric Mixer
Essential for beating the eggs, sugar, and butter to the perfect fluffiness. Make sure to clean the beaters well between the cake and cream stages.
22cm (9 inch) Baking Pan
The size guarantees even baking. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Sifter
Ensures your flour and baking powder are well-incorporated and lump-free.
Wooden Skewer
A handy tool to check if your cake is baked through without damaging it.
Piping Bag
Helps in creating the perfect chocolate drizzle patterns on top. If you don't have one, a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped off works too.

Instructions

Step 1

Preparing the Cake

Mix salt and sugar with the eggs and beat until fluffy (about 5-7 minutes).

Gradually sift in baking powder and flour into the mixture, folding gently from bottom to top.

Pour the batter into a 22cm (9 inch) baking pan and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Check for readiness with a wooden skewer.

Step 2

Making the Cream

Beat room temperature butter until it lightens.

Add caramelized condensed milk one spoonful at a time, beating until smooth.

Step 3

Assembling the Cake

Cut the cooled cake into three layers.

Soak the first layer with syrup, cover with cream, and sprinkle with crushed walnuts. Repeat for all layers.

Melt the chocolate bar with the milk. Use a piping bag to draw stripes and a skewer to create patterns.

Decorate the sides with crushed cookies. The cake is ready!

Servings

Thinking of how to make your cake shine at the center of the table? Here are some fun serving ideas! First, **consider pairing each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨.** The cold, creamy texture complements the rich flavors of the cake wonderfully. 💡 Another suggestion is to drizzle a bit of extra caramel sauce on the plate before placing the slice. Not only does this add an extra touch of sweetness, but it also **elevates the presentation**. Hosting a party? **Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries 🍓** for a pop of color and a refreshing contrast. Add a dollop of whipped cream for that fluffy, cloud-like touch. 🍰 For a cozy evening, nothing beats a slice of this cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It's the perfect end to a perfect meal or a delightful afternoon treat. Enjoy **mixing and matching these serving ideas** to create the ultimate dessert experience for you and your loved ones!

Variations

Looking to make this recipe gluten-free or vegan? We've got you covered! 🌟 For a **gluten-free** version: - Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. - Follow the same steps, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free cake ready to enjoy 🎂. For a **vegan** version: - Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes). - Use vegan butter for both the cake and cream. - Pick a dairy-free caramelized condensed milk, available at most health food stores. - Opt for a plant-based milk to melt the chocolate with 🍫. Enjoy experimenting with these variations and satisfying everyone's sweet tooth, whether they're gluten-free or vegan! 🌱✨

Faq

Why is my cake not rising properly?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and don't overmix the batter. Also, preheat your oven to the exact temperature.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter and a dusting of flour.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes! Bake the layers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
How do I get smooth cream without lumps?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating it and add the caramelized condensed milk gradually, beating well between additions.
What's the best way to cut the cake into layers?
Use a long serrated knife. Chilling the cake before slicing makes it easier to cut neatly.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the topping?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly less sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.