1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to remove the cake later. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Separate the Eggs
Separate the eggs into two bowls, with the egg yolks in one and the egg whites in another. Make sure the bowls are clean and dry, especially the one for the egg whites, as any trace of fat can prevent them from whipping properly.
3. Make the Batter
In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the granulated sugar and whisk until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add the melted butter and vanilla extract, continuing to whisk until combined.
Next, sift in the flour and gently mix until fully incorporated. Slowly pour in the lukewarm milk, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth batter. The mixture will be very runny—this is normal.
4. Whip the Egg Whites
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, one-third at a time. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy; you don’t want to overmix, as this will deflate the egg whites.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve on its own or with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Magic Custard Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter combine more easily and bake evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Folding: When folding in the egg whites, be gentle. The air in the egg whites is what helps create the distinct layers.
- Lukewarm Milk: Using lukewarm milk helps the batter stay smooth and prevents the butter from solidifying when mixed in.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Magic Custard Cake: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour for a rich chocolate version of this cake.
- Lemon Magic Custard Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the egg yolk mixture for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Coconut Magic Custard Cake: Replace half of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor and sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Magic Custard Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered in the baking pan or transfer it to an airtight container. The cake tastes great cold, straight from the fridge, or you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Read more on next page
